Craving chicken cordon bleu? revolutionize your meals with whole foods’ secret recipe!
What To Know
- Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb crust.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Resting the chicken before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb crust. While it may seem intimidating, making chicken cordon bleu from scratch is easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, using high-quality ingredients from Whole Foods Market.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To make chicken cordon bleu from Whole Foods, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of thinly sliced ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Preparing the Chicken
1. Butterfly the chicken breasts: Use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season the chicken: Season the inside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the chicken: Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese inside each chicken pocket.
Breading the Chicken
1. Set up your breading station: Place the flour, eggs (beaten), and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Press the breadcrumbs: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.
Cooking the Chicken
1. Heat the oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Pan-fry the chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Transfer to the oven: Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finishing Touches
1. Let it rest: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Serve immediately: Chicken cordon bleu is best served hot with your favorite sides.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of sides, including:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
- Rice pilaf
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your chicken cordon bleu.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken cordon bleu is best when the chicken is cooked through but still tender.
- Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
Variations
- Ham and cheese: You can use any type of ham and cheese you like.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs.
- Cooking method: You can also bake chicken cordon bleu in the oven instead of pan-frying it.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bread the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F.
Q: What can I do if my chicken cordon bleu is too dry?
A: If your chicken cordon bleu is too dry, it may have been overcooked. Try using a lower temperature or cooking for a shorter amount of time.