How-To-Cook-Chicken-Cordon-Bleu-Pinoy-Style

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Philippines with our comprehensive guide on how to cook chicken cordon bleu pinoy style. This iconic dish combines the classic French technique with the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, resulting in a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onions
• 1/4 cup chopped ham
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts: Use a sharp knife to carefully cut each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket.
2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper inside and out.

Breading

1. Set up the breading station: Create three shallow bowls for the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs.
2. Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, then dip them into the eggs, and finally coat them with the bread crumbs.

Filling

1. Combine the filling: In a small bowl, mix together the Parmesan cheese, parsley, onions, ham, and Swiss cheese.
2. Stuff the chicken: Open the pockets in the chicken breasts and stuff them with the filling.

Cooking

1. Heat the butter: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
2. Brown the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
3. Deglaze the pan (optional): If desired, pour the white wine into the skillet and let it simmer for 1 minute to deglaze.
4. Add the chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and bring to a simmer.
5. Cover and cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Finishing

1. Remove from the skillet: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter.
2. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh, free-range chicken and flavorful cheese.
• Don’t overstuff the chicken: Overfilling the chicken breasts can make them difficult to cook evenly.
• Cook the chicken thoroughly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Don’t skip the sauce: The sauce adds a rich and flavorful element to the dish. If you don’t have white wine, you can substitute it with more chicken broth.

Variations

• Ham and Swiss: This is the classic combination for chicken cordon bleu.
• Prosciutto and Fontina: For a more sophisticated flavor, try prosciutto and Fontina cheese.
• Spinach and Feta: Add some greens to your cordon bleu with spinach and feta cheese.

Sides to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to the savory chicken cordon bleu.
• Rice pilaf: A fluffy rice pilaf is a light and flavorful side dish that pairs well with the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Green beans: Steamed or roasted green beans add a vibrant and healthy element to the meal.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the difference between chicken cordon bleu and chicken Kiev?
A: Chicken Kiev is a similar dish that is made with a boneless, skinless chicken breast that is stuffed with butter and herbs, then breaded and fried.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you will need to thaw them completely before cooking them.

Q: How can I tell when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).