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Author:
Franco Salzillo
Chicken cordon bleu is a schnitzel filled with ham and cheese. The golden crust, the gooey filling and the tender texture make the dish a fancy meal worthy of special dinners. The dish goes back to the 1950s, but it might be inspired by fine meals reserved for aristocracy during the Middle Ages, for those that wore a blue ribbon for distinction.
Today, frozen cordon bleu is common in supermarkets, but making yours at home with nice ingredients results in an entirely different meal — one fit for royalty. The best part? Air-fry this fancy meal and have a few stuffed breasts ready in just under an hour.
To make cordon bleu, ensure you have fresh chicken cutlets, breasts that have been pounded flat — your local butcher has you covered.
For the filling, Swiss cheese is traditional, but Cheddar will also work. A nice, thinly sliced ham is also typical, although optional. Cheese is essential in the recipe, so use a nice one.
We also need eggs and breadcrumbs for the crust. You can season the panko breadcrumbs with salt, pepper and even dried herbs to give color and flavor to your blue-ribbon chicken.
Cordon bleu chicken is a stunning main course that’s as pretty as it is hearty. The chicken, the cheese, and the breadcrumbs; all add up to a wholesome meal.
Compatible side dishes for cordon bleu chicken include salads with vinaigrette dressings and creamy pasta. Roasted vegetables and other starches, such as rice, roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes, can also complement your meal — keep in mind a typical cordon bleu leaves most people more than satisfied.
Pair your cordon bleu with a glass of oak Chardonnay and elevate your dining experience. After all, this is a noble dish!
Top each chicken breast with two slices of cheese and two slices of ham. Roll the chicken breasts and use a toothpick to maintain their shape.
Coat each rolled chicken breast with flour, dip them in egg and cover them with breadcrumbs. Spray with cooking oil.
Preheat the air-fryer to 380°F.
Place the chicken breast in the air fryer basket and fry for 10-12 minutes until cooked through, golden and crispy.
Serve while still warm to enjoy the melted core.
