Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

A Taste of Tradition: Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that conjures images of elegant dinners and culinary sophistication, has a surprisingly humble origin story. While its exact birthplace remains debated, this classic recipe likely emerged in Switzerland sometime in the 20th century. “Cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” in French, a nod to the dish’s exceptional quality and flavor.

At its heart, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple yet elegant combination: tender chicken breasts enveloped in a savory ham and melted cheese filling, then breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection. Its popularity has spanned continents, becoming a staple on menus worldwide.

This Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe captures the essence of this beloved dish, offering a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Card

This classic dish is a staple of French cuisine, and Ina Garten’s version is a must-try. The combination of tender chicken, crispy ham, and melted Swiss cheese is a match made in heaven.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Temperature: 180°C (350°F)

Serving Size: 4-6

• Ingredients:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (240 g / 1 cup each)
• 4 slices of ham (120 g / 4 oz each)
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese (120 g / 4 oz each)
• 1 cup (240 ml) of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) of butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) of milk
• 1 egg, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant and delicious dish. Follow the steps in our full recipe to create a truly unforgettable meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

To make Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu, gather the following ingredients. This recipe requires precise amounts for the best results.

The main components include chicken breasts, ham, and cheese, which are wrapped and cooked to perfection.

• 680 g / 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 120 g / 4.3 oz thinly sliced ham
• 120 g / 4.3 oz Gruyère cheese, sliced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml / 1 fl oz) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp (5 g / 0.2 oz) dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 240 g / 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 120 g / 4.3 oz panko breadcrumbs
• Optional:
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (for serving)

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu dish, inspired by Ina Garten’s recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Get ready to impress with this classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! Follow these detailed instructions for perfectly cooked chicken breasts filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese.

1. Prepare the chicken breasts: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Open the chicken breasts like a book and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm (½ inch). Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Assemble the Cordon Bleu: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast pocket. Fold the chicken breasts over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dredge the chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Prepare the egg wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs with 2 tablespoons of milk or water. Dip each floured chicken breast into the egg wash, letting excess drip off.
5. Coat with breadcrumbs: In a third shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups (190 g) breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese. Press each chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, ensuring a thick and even coating.
6. Brown the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Bake to perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
8. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mastering the art of Chicken Cordon Bleu requires attention to detail and a few expert tricks. Follow these pro tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Pounding the Chicken: A Crucial Step

When pounding chicken breasts, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly thin them to about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents the filling from bursting out during cooking.

Preventing Filling from Escaping

• Use a generous amount of cheese to hold the filling in place.
• Overlap the edges of the ham slices to create a secure seal.
• Make sure the chicken is tightly rolled and secured with toothpicks if needed.

Additional Tips

1. Use high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
2. Don’t overstuff the chicken, as this can cause the filling to escape during cooking.
3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu dish that’s sure to impress.

Substitutions and Alternatives for Chicken Cordon Bleu

To give Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe a personal touch, consider substituting certain ingredients. For the cheese, 240 g / 1 cup of Gruyère can be replaced with 240 g / 1 cup of Emmental or 180 g / 3/4 cup of Parmesan for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Ham alternatives: 120 g / 4 oz of prosciutto or 120 g / 4 oz of Black Forest ham can be used in place of regular ham, offering a more delicate or robust flavor.
• Chicken breast variations: If 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts are not available, 2 boneless, skinless turkey breasts can be used as a substitute, adjusting cooking time to 25-30 minutes at 190°C / 375°F.

When making substitutions, keep in mind the flavor impact on the overall dish. These alternatives will allow for a unique twist on the classic Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe while maintaining its essence.

Beyond the Classic: Chicken Cordon Bleu Variations

While the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu with ham and cheese is undeniably delicious, there’s a whole world of flavor combinations waiting to be explored. Here are a few variations to take your Chicken Cordon Bleu to the next level:

1. Spicy Southwestern Chicken Cordon Bleu

   Swap out the ham for chorizo and the Swiss cheese for pepper jack. Add a sprinkle of chipotle powder to the breading for an extra kick. Cook time remains similar, around 30 minutes at 190°C (375°F).

2. Mediterranean Chicken Cordon Bleu

   Use thin slices of prosciutto and mozzarella cheese. Stuff with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Bake for 25 minutes at 180°C (350°F).

3. Mushroom and Gruyère Chicken Cordon Bleu

   Sautéed mushrooms and nutty Gruyère cheese make a delectable combination. Season the mushrooms with thyme and garlic for an earthy flavor. Bake for 30 minutes at 190°C (375°F).

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations! The possibilities are endless.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu: Tips and Tricks

After preparing this Ina Garten-inspired Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, you’ll want to know how to store and reheat it for optimal flavor and texture.

Refrigeration

Once cooled, store Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s essential to keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 4°C (39°F).

• Before reheating, let the Chicken Cordon Bleu sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored for up to 3 months.

• Thaw frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).

Remember to always check the internal temperature of the Chicken Cordon Bleu before serving to ensure food safety.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Chicken Cordon Bleu

When making Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, several common issues may arise. Being aware of these potential problems and their solutions can help achieve a perfectly cooked dish. The most frequent issues include filling escaping, uneven chicken cooking, and difficulty with the breading process.

Common Problems and Fixes

• Filling escaping: To prevent the ham and cheese filling from escaping during cooking, make sure to seal the chicken breast tightly and use toothpicks if necessary. Also, don’t overfill the chicken.
• Chicken not cooking evenly: Ensure the chicken breasts are of similar size and thickness. Cook the chicken in a preheated oven at 200°C / 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
• Breading not adhering: For the breading to stick properly, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying the breading mixture. Also, chill the breaded chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set the coating.

By being mindful of these potential issues and applying the suggested fixes, the Chicken Cordon Bleu will turn out delicious and visually appealing, with the filling intact and the chicken cooked to perfection.

Nutrition Information

This Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal, but it’s also important to be aware of the nutritional content.

Each serving (about 1 chicken breast) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 15g

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Diet tags: Not suitable for vegan diets.

Key Takeaways for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

To make a successful Chicken Cordon Bleu, several key points must be considered. Essential ingredients include 240 g / 1 cup of ham, 120 g / 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese, and 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Cooking techniques play a crucial role, with stuffing and rolling the chicken breasts being a critical step. The chicken should be cooked in a skillet with 30 ml / 2 tablespoons of butter at 190°C / 375°F until browned, then finished in the oven at the same temperature for 20-25 minutes.

• Use high-quality ingredients, including fresh parsley and thyme, to enhance flavor.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
• Don’t overstuff the chicken, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a messy presentation.

By following these key takeaways and expert tips, a delicious and impressive Chicken Cordon Bleu can be achieved, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.

Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Few Notes From My Kitchen

This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe has become a real favorite in my kitchen. I love how elegant it looks, but it’s surprisingly easy to make. I’ve found that using good quality ham and Gruyère cheese is key to getting that perfect flavor combination.

One tip I’ve learned over time is to make sure the chicken breasts are pounded thin and even. This helps them cook quickly and evenly, and prevents the filling from spilling out.

1. Tip: I like to use a food processor to quickly chop the parsley for the breading. It saves time and gives you a nice, fine texture.
2. Challenge: Sometimes the breading can get a little soggy when frying. To avoid this, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken.

Once the chicken is cooked, I like to serve it with a simple lemon-butter sauce and a side of roasted vegetables. It’s a truly satisfying meal that always gets rave reviews.

Conclusion: Making Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu

With this Ina Garten-inspired Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, you’re just a few steps away from a show-stopping dish that’s sure to impress. To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu turns out perfectly, remember to follow the recipe closely and use high-quality ingredients, such as tender chicken breasts and rich ham.

By taking the time to prepare each component carefully, you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s both elegant and delicious. We encourage you to try this recipe and explore more of our French-inspired recipes, like Coq au Vin or Bouillabaisse.