What do you include with the chicken to make Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that features a breaded and fried chicken cutlet filled with ham and cheese. Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients:

The Chicken:

* Chicken Breast: This is the most common choice, as it's relatively thin and can be easily pounded to create a flat cutlet.

The Filling:

* Ham: Traditionally, thinly sliced cooked ham is used. You can also use prosciutto or smoked ham.

* Cheese: Swiss cheese is the classic choice, but Gruyere, Emmental, or even mozzarella can be substituted.

The Breadcrumbs:

* Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs create a light and crispy crust.

* Plain Breadcrumbs: Another option, though they tend to result in a denser crust.

Other Ingredients:

* Eggs: These act as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.

* Flour: This is often used as a light coating before the egg wash to help the breadcrumbs stick better.

* Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes garlic powder or paprika are added to season the chicken.

* Oil: This is used for frying or pan-frying the chicken cutlets.

Optional Ingredients:

* Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice can be added to the egg wash for a little extra flavor.

* Dijon Mustard: A thin layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken can add a tangy kick.

Assembly:

1. Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness.

2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.

3. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken (optional).

4. Layer the ham and cheese on top of the chicken.

5. Roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

6. Dip the chicken in flour (optional), then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs.

7. Fry or pan-fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu!