Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that perfectly combines rich flavors with a simple preparation. With a juicy chicken fillet, filled with ham and melted cheese, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating, this dish is a true treat for lovers of meat and cheese. Paired with French fries as a side dish, you get a complete meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Although it may seem like a restaurant dish, preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu at home isn’t too complicated, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion or a Sunday dinner. This recipe combines classic preparation techniques with modern ingredients, giving you a dish that is incredibly tasty and will satisfy any palate.
In this recipe, we will guide you step by step through the preparation of Chicken Cordon Bleu with perfect French fries. With our help, you can make this dish that will impress any guest and turn every meal into a special occasion.
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu:
For the chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts (about 150-200g each)
- 4 slices of ham (preferably smoked for better flavor)
- 4 slices of cheese (Swiss cheese, Gouda, or Edam)
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon oregano (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 tablespoons)
Ingredients for French Fries:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 200 ml cooking cream
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for a richer flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu:
1. Preparing the Chicken Fillets: First, you need to prepare the chicken fillets. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they become even and thinner. The ideal thickness is around 1-1.5 cm.
After that, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also add oregano if you enjoy extra flavor. Now, you’re ready to fill the chicken. Place a slice of ham on each breast, followed by a slice of cheese. Swiss cheese is often used for Chicken Cordon Bleu because it melts well, but Gouda or Edam are also excellent options.
Once the ham and cheese are placed, carefully fold the chicken around the filling and form a roll. If needed, you can use toothpicks or cooking twine to hold the rolls together, but be cautious when removing the toothpicks before serving.
2. Bread-crumbing the Chicken Cordon Bleu: In three shallow bowls, prepare the following:
- In the first bowl, place the flour; in the second, beat the eggs; and in the third, place the breadcrumbs. Coat each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumbs. Make sure the rolls are evenly coated on all sides, as this will create a nice crispy crust once fried. Ensure all three components of the breading are used, as this will contribute to perfect crispiness when frying the rolls.
3. Frying the Chicken Cordon Bleu: In a frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat (about 2-3 tablespoons). Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken rolls in the pan and fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. If you’d like the rolls to cook evenly, you can also place them in a preheated oven at 180°C for an additional 5-10 minutes, ensuring the cheese inside melts and the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Once the rolls are fried and golden brown, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Your Chicken Cordon Bleu is now ready to be served.
Preparing the French Fries:
1. Preparing the Potatoes: For perfect French fries, peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips. You can use a knife or a potato cutter to achieve evenly sized strips, which is important for even frying.
2. Frying the French Fries: Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer. The oil should be hot (about 180°C) to ensure the fries turn crispy. Add the potato strips to the hot oil and fry in two batches, so the pan doesn’t get overcrowded. Fry for 5-7 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy.
Once the fries are done, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to absorb excess fat. Season with salt to taste, and if you like, add a bit of paprika for extra flavor.
Preparing the Sauce:
1. Creamy Sauce: While the chicken and fries are being prepared, you can make the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the cooking cream over medium heat. Add the mustard and lemon juice, stirring to combine, and cook for a few minutes. The sauce should thicken and become creamy.
Finally, add salt and pepper to taste, and for a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of butter. This sauce will complement the rich flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese perfectly. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley on top for decoration.
Serving:
Once everything is ready, carefully plate the Chicken Cordon Bleu, drizzle with some of the prepared sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve the French fries alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
This dish is incredibly delicious and filling, sure to satisfy your hunger. Chicken Cordon Bleu with French fries is perfect for a Sunday lunch, family dinners, or as a special meal for guests.
Tips:
- Substituting Ham and Cheese: Feel free to use smoked ham or different types of cheese, like Cheddar, for a richer and more aromatic flavor.
- Healthier Option: If you’d like a healthier version, you can prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in the oven instead of frying. Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, drizzle with a little olive oil, and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.
- Oven-Baked Fries: For a healthier take on French fries, you can cut the potatoes into strips, drizzle with olive oil, season, and bake in the oven at 200°C until crispy.
Conclusion:
Chicken Cordon Bleu with French fries is a dish that satisfies all tastes. The combination of juicy chicken, crispy breading, melted cheese, and ham, served with crispy fries, makes this meal complete. With a simple preparation and a few helpful tips, you can create a dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy this delicious homemade meal!
