Cordon Bleu
Chicken breast wrapped around ham and cheese, breaded and fried. Swiss in origin, French in execution, and the seal is the only difficult part.
Photograph credit: 9741Cuisine of Bulacan 01 by Judgefloro · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
Method
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Butterfly each chicken breast and open it out, then beat between sheets of cling film to an even 5 mm.
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Season the flesh and spread thinly with mustard.
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Lay two slices of ham on each, then the cheese, keeping everything 2 cm from the edges.
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Roll up tightly, tucking the ends in, and press the seam closed.
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Roll each in flour, then egg, then crumb — and then egg and crumb a second time. The double coat is what holds the cheese in.
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Chill 30 minutes to firm the crust.
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Fry in the oil and butter over medium heat, 5 minutes a side, turning carefully, until deep gold and cooked through. Rest 5 minutes before cutting.
Chef’s Tips
- Double breading. A single coat cracks and leaks.
- Keep the filling 2 cm from every edge.
- Chill before frying so the crust sets.
Pairing Suggestions
- Green salad
- Sautéed potatoes
- Lemon wedges
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerated for 2 days; reheat at 190°C for 12 minutes. They freeze breaded and raw for 2 months.
Common questions
How long does Cordon Bleu take to make?
About 50 minutes in total — 30 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Cordon Bleu?
Double breading. A single coat cracks and leaks. Keep the filling 2 cm from every edge. Chill before frying so the crust sets.
What should I serve with Cordon Bleu?
Green salad; Sautéed potatoes; Lemon wedges.
Can Cordon Bleu be made ahead or frozen?
Refrigerated for 2 days; reheat at 190°C for 12 minutes. They freeze breaded and raw for 2 months.
Is Cordon Bleu suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is high-protein and no added sugar. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Cordon Bleu?
About 745 kcal per serving, with 62 g protein, 42 g carbohydrate and 36 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
Nutritional Highlights
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
Reader Reviews
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.