Craving the crispy, cheesy perfection of a cordon bleu sandwich? This timeless dish combines savory layers of ham, melty Swiss cheese, and crispy breaded chicken, all nestled in soft bread or a toasted bun. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to craft the perfect cordon bleu sandwich at home, provide tips to elevate your recipe, and dive into its origins. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this article has everything you need to master this delicious sandwich.
What Is a Cordon Bleu Sandwich?
A cordon bleu sandwich is a variation of the traditional chicken cordon bleu—a classic dish of breaded chicken stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, originating from Switzerland. The sandwich version simplifies the dish by layering breaded chicken, ham, cheese, and condiments like Dijon mustard or mayo between slices of bread or a bun. This creates a portable, easy-to-make version of the beloved comfort food.
For an authentic twist, you can even add a creamy béchamel or Dijon mustard sauce. The cordon bleu sandwich is perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or even a special dinner.
For more on the origins of chicken cordon bleu, check out this deep dive into Swiss cuisine. If you love learning about classic recipes, read this article about French cooking techniques.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Cordon Bleu Sandwich
Making a cordon bleu sandwich from scratch ensures that every bite is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly crisp. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Breaded Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied and pounded thin)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch, or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying
For the Sandwich:
- 4 slices of ham (Black Forest or honey-glazed ham works best)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 brioche buns or sliced sandwich bread
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- Butter (for toasting the buns, optional)
Step-by-Step Recipe for the Perfect Cordon Bleu Sandwich
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious cordon bleu sandwich:
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly each chicken breast and pound it to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
- In a bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Set up a breading station: one plate for the flour mixture, one bowl for beaten eggs, and one plate for breadcrumbs.
2. Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
- Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry each piece of breaded chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Toast the Bread
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the buns or bread slices and toast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp.
- For a lighter option, skip the butter and use a toaster.
5. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread Dijon mustard on the bottom bun and mayonnaise on the top bun.
- Layer a piece of fried chicken, a slice of ham, and a slice of Swiss cheese.
- If desired, broil the assembled sandwich for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Add lettuce, tomato, or pickles for extra crunch and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Cordon Bleu Sandwich
Achieving perfection is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your sandwich turns out restaurant-quality every time:
1. Use Quality Ingredients
- Opt for freshly baked bread or brioche buns for a soft, buttery base.
- Choose high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for authentic flavor.
2. Customize the Sauce
- Add honey mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Try garlic aioli or spicy mayo for an extra kick.
3. Perfect the Chicken
- For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Brining the chicken in saltwater for 30 minutes before breading adds moisture and enhances flavor.
4. Experiment with Additions
- Add crispy bacon for a smoky twist.
- Include a fried egg for a breakfast-inspired version.
Variations of the Cordon Bleu Sandwich
While the classic recipe is hard to beat, there are many creative ways to reinvent the cordon bleu sandwich:
1. Spicy Cordon Bleu
- Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for a spicy kick.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss.
2. Vegetarian Cordon Bleu
- Replace the chicken with a breaded eggplant or tofu cutlet.
- Use plant-based ham and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
3. Open-Faced Sandwich
- Serve the sandwich as an open-faced dish by skipping the top bun.
- Drizzle a creamy béchamel sauce over the top for a luxurious presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is cordon bleu made of?
Traditional chicken cordon bleu consists of breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then fried or baked.
What was on Arby’s chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
Arby’s version included a breaded chicken filet, thinly sliced ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a Dijon-mayo sauce on a sesame seed bun.
Why was it called cordon bleu?
The term “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French and symbolizes culinary excellence.
In the U.S. Navy, chicken cordon bleu is sometimes referred to as “cheesy chicken” in informal terms.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content for one sandwich:
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
Suggested Pairings
Looking to round out your meal? These sides pair perfectly with a cordon bleu sandwich:
- Fries: Crispy sweet potato or regular French fries.
- Soup: Creamy potato soup or French onion soup.
- Salad: A light Caesar or mixed green salad balances the richness of the sandwich.
Suggested Internal Links
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