The Art of Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that has graced many dining tables over the years. Its name, which translates to "Blue Ribbon Chicken," hints at its regal origins. Traditionally, this dish features chicken wrapped around cheese and ham, breaded, and then fried or baked. Chef RV brings his unique twist to this timeless recipe, ensuring a gastronomic experience like no other.
Ingredients for the Perfect Cordon Bleu
Chicken and Fillings
- 1kg chicken breast fillet
- 1 pack ham or bacon (weight varies based on pack size)
- 250g easy-melting cheese
- ½ cup (approximately 120g) sliced pickles
Breading Station
- 1 cup (approximately 125g) all-purpose flour
- 2 whole eggs, beaten
- 2 cups (approximately 100g) panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
Spice Mix
- 1 tbsp. fine salt
- 1 tbsp. Spanish paprika
- 1 tbsp. garlic powder
- A pinch of dried thyme or rosemary
Bechamel Sauce
- 2 tbsps. butter (approximately 28g)
- 2 tbsps. all-purpose flour (approximately 15g)
- 2 cups fresh milk
- 1-2 tbsps. truffle salsa (for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Crafting the Cordon Bleu
- Begin by preparing the chicken breast fillet. Cover it between two sheets of cling film, then using a rolling pin, flatten it to a size slightly wider than your ham slice as well as your cheese stick.
- Season the chicken with the spice mix, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Place a slice of ham or bacon on the chicken, followed by a slice of cheese and some pickles.
- Roll the chicken tightly using the cling film, folding the sides inward to preven the cheese from oozing out while frying. Seal tightly and set in the fridge or in the freezer before proceeding to the next step of breading.
- Dip the rolled chicken into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally coat with panko bread crumbs.
- Shallow fry or bake the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked.
- For the bechamel sauce, melt butter in a pan, add flour, and whisk continuously. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened, add truffle salsa, salt, and pepper.
- Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu with the bechamel sauce drizzled on top.
What Pairs Well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Some popular choices include:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed green beans with almonds
- Roasted asparagus
- Caesar salad
- Buttered corn on the cob
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're unable to find some ingredients, here are some alternatives:
- Ham/Bacon: Turkey slices or smoked salmon
- Easy-melting cheese: Mozzarella or Swiss cheese
- Panko: Regular bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Dish
- Always ensure the chicken is rolled tightly to prevent the fillings from oozing out.
- For a healthier version, opt for baking instead of frying.
- When breading the chicken, remember to keep one hand clean as Chef RV suggests, so you can use your clean hand to fry the chicken pieces.
- Chef RV suggests not to deep fry the chicken as it might open up. Therefore, Chef RV suggests to shallow fry these.
- The bechamel sauce can be flavored with various herbs and spices to suit your palate.
- The breading should be applied right before you fry the chicken. Chef RV reminds us not to bread the chicken yet if we still want to store it in the fridge before frying as the bread crumbs will end up soggy.
Nutritional Breakdown
Based on a serving size of 200 grams:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrate Content: 20g
- Cholesterol Content: 80mg
- Fat Content: 15g
- Protein Content: 30g
- Saturated Fat Content: 5g
- Serving Size: 200g
- Sodium Content: 500mg
- Sugar Content: 2g
- Trans Fat Content: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat Content: 10g
FAQs
Why is it called Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The term "Cordon Bleu" refers to the blue ribbon worn by the highest order of knights in several European orders, symbolizing excellence. This dish is considered a culinary delight, hence the name.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely! Once prepared, you can freeze them and cook when needed. Just ensure they're thawed properly before cooking.
What wines pair well with this dish?
White wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complement the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu beautifully.