Welcome to our comprehensive guide on making Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu. This classic dish, known for its crispy exterior and rich, cheesy interior, is a crowd-pleaser that will impress your family and guests. With our detailed instructions, you’ll find it easier than ever to create this delightful meal in your own kitchen.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu is a refined version of the traditional French dish, featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with turkey ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked to perfection. This dish is beloved for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a timeless favorite.

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Why You Should Try This Recipe

Delicious Flavors: Combines savory ham, creamy cheese, and tender chicken.
Elegant Presentation: Ideal for special occasions or dinner parties.
Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead: This can be prepped in advance and baked when ready.
Customizable: Easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients Needed for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 slices of turkey ham
4 slices of Swiss cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions to Make Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
Layer with Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast.

Roll and Secure: Roll up the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks.
Coat with Flour: Dredge the rolled chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip in Egg: Dip the floured chicken in beaten eggs.

Bread the Chicken: Coat with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the chicken on all sides.
Bake: Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes complement the crispy chicken.
Steamed Vegetables: Adds a healthy and colorful side.
Rice Pilaf: Light and fluffy rice pairs well with the rich flavors.

Caesar Salad: A refreshing salad balances the meal.
Roasted Asparagus: A perfect vegetable side with a bit of crunch.

Essential Tips for Perfecting Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pound Evenly: Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.

Secure Tightly: Use toothpicks to keep the rolls intact during cooking.
Golden Crust: Brown the chicken in a skillet before baking for a crispy crust.
Cheese Choice: Use high-quality Swiss cheese for the best flavor.

Season Well: Season the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs for enhanced taste.
Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Spicy Kick: Add a slice of spicy pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss.

Herb Infusion: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumbs.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a gluten-free version.
Low-Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and bake with just a cheese coating.

Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with large portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.

Storing Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu: Best Practices

Refrigerate Promptly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Label and Date: Always label and date your containers for easy tracking.

Reheating Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu: Best Practices

Oven Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Microwave Option: Use the microwave for a quick reheat, about 2-3 minutes.

Maintain Crispiness: Reheat in a toaster oven to keep the crust crispy.
Add Moisture: Sprinkle a little water before reheating to prevent dryness.

Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients Substitutions

Turkey breasts for chicken breasts

Firm tofu slices for chicken breasts (vegetarian)
Turkey ham for regular ham (halal)
Mozzarella for Swiss cheese

Cheddar for Swiss cheese
Vegan cheese for Swiss cheese (dairy-free)
Panko for breadcrumbs

Almond flour for breadcrumbs (gluten-free)
Crushed cornflakes for breadcrumbs (gluten-free)
Nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese (dairy-free)

Grated Asiago for Parmesan cheese
Vegan Parmesan for Parmesan cheese (dairy-free)
Yellow mustard for Dijon mustard

Honey mustard for Dijon mustard
Spicy brown mustard for Dijon mustard

Nutrition Value (per serving):

Calories: 400

Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g

Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g

Sodium: 800mg

FAQs

How do you keep the cheese from leaking out of Chicken Cordon Bleu?

To prevent cheese from leaking out of Chicken Cordon Bleu, ensure the chicken breasts are rolled tightly and secured with toothpicks. Additionally, browning the chicken in a skillet before baking helps create a crust that keeps the cheese inside.

Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance. Assemble the chicken rolls, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready to cook, follow the browning and baking instructions as usual. This makes it convenient for dinner parties or busy evenings.

What is the best way to pound chicken for Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures uniform cooking and makes it easier to roll the chicken with the filling.

How can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu healthier?

To make Chicken Cordon Bleu healthier, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and bake the chicken instead of frying it. Opt for leaner cuts of ham and reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to add more nutrients to the meal.

Final Words

Ina Garten’s Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that marries simplicity with elegance. With its delightful combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy making and savoring this classic dish with your loved ones!

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