Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread is the epitome of comfort food with a gourmet twist. This classic dish features tender, crispy chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked to golden perfection. Paired with homemade garlic bread that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a bit of elegance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this delightful dish in your own kitchen.
Why Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread is the Perfect Meal
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that brings together the savory goodness of chicken, ham, and melted cheese, while garlic bread adds an extra layer of flavor with its buttery, garlicky crunch. This combination of ingredients and textures makes it a go-to choice for any special occasion. Here’s why it’s the perfect meal for your next dinner:
- Flavorful and Filling: The ham and cheese filling inside the chicken breasts adds a delightful richness, while the crispy breading provides the perfect crunch.
- Comforting and Gourmet: Despite its elegant presentation, this meal is incredibly comforting and satisfying, making it a favorite among both adults and kids.
- Versatile: Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs well with many sides, and the garlic bread complements the dish perfectly, adding texture and flavor to every bite.
- Impressive and Simple: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a family meal, this dish looks impressive but is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for any occasion.
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread
The ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread are simple yet create a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering meal:
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese or Gruyère
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko is preferred for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for searing)
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 baguette or Italian loaf (sliced in half lengthwise)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
- ÂĽ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread
Preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread is an easy-to-follow process that will fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas. The following steps will guide you through the process of making this delicious dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu
The key to making Chicken Cordon Bleu is to properly prepare and roll the chicken breasts with the ham and cheese filling.
- Pound the Chicken: Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This step ensures the chicken cooks evenly and is easy to roll.
- Assemble the Filling: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the narrow end, and secure the rolls with toothpicks.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating for Chicken
Next, you’ll prepare the breading that gives the Chicken Cordon Bleu its crispy exterior.
- Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Egg Mixture: In a second shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley (optional). This will form the final crispy coating.
Step 3: Dredge and Cook the Chicken
Now it’s time to coat and cook the chicken.
- Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken roll and coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick well.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the garlic bread to serve alongside.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Assemble the Garlic Bread: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette or Italian loaf.
- Bake the Garlic Bread: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil the bread for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is baked and the garlic bread is crispy and golden, it’s time to serve! Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and serve each roll with a side of the crispy garlic bread. Pair with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread
To make sure your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread turns out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- Use Toothpicks for Secure Rolls: Toothpicks help keep the chicken rolls intact while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Opt for Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Try Different Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Healthier Option: If you want a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken without frying first. Lightly spray with cooking spray for a crisp exterior.
Garlic Bread:
- Add Red Chili Flakes: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread: For a cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Garlic bread pairs well with marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion: A Delicious Comfort Meal
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread is the perfect blend of gourmet elegance and comforting flavor. With its crispy, golden exterior, juicy ham and cheese filling, and the buttery, garlicky goodness of homemade garlic bread, this dish is sure to impress your guests or make for a memorable family dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a simple meal, Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that will leave everyone wanting more.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread
Equipment
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowls
- Baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Shallow bowls (for dredging)
- Baking sheet (for garlic bread)
- Brush (for spreading butter)
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham thinly sliced
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese or Gruyère
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko preferred for extra crispiness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic Bread
- 1 baguette or Italian loaf sliced in half lengthwise
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
- Assemble the Filling:
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the narrow end. Secure with toothpicks.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- In a third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
- Dredge the Chicken:
- Coat each rolled chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally roll in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Garlic Bread
- Prepare the Butter Mixture:
- In a small bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Assemble the Garlic Bread:
- Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette or Italian loaf.
- Bake the Garlic Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Video
Notes
For a healthier version, bake the breaded chicken without frying first. Spray lightly with cooking spray for crispiness.
Swap Swiss cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor.
Garlic Bread: Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy twist.
For a cheesy garlic bread, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top before baking.
Garlic bread pairs well with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Garlic Bread hot with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal!