Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish made by wrapping chicken breast around ham and cheese. The term “cordon bleu” refers to the blue ribbon that was used to denote the highest achievement in culinary arts. So what exactly is the “bleu” in chicken cordon bleu?
The Origin of Chicken Cordon Bleu
The origins of chicken cordon bleu can be traced back to the early 20th century in France. It was likely created by chefs as a way to utilize leftover ham and cheese. The dish was named “cordon bleu” to highlight the mastery and refinement of the dish. The French term “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” and originally referred to an award for culinary excellence.
The earliest mention of chicken cordon bleu appeared in a French cookbook from the 1930s. Over the years, the dish gained popularity and made its way over to North America and other parts of the world. Recipes started appearing in English language cookbooks by the 1960s and 70s. Its elegant name and refined ingredients helped cement its status as a fancy classic French dish.
The Cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu
So while the origins explain the meaning behind “cordon bleu,” they don’t fully explain the “bleu” part of the name. This is directly a reference to the type of cheese used in the dish – bleu cheese (blue cheese).
Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is made with Swiss or French bleu cheese such as bleu de Bresse. The sharp, pungent flavor of the blue cheese pairs nicely with the savory ham and juicy chicken. The saltiness of the ham balances out the funkiness from the cheese. And the creamy cheese adds richness.
Using a mild melting cheese like Swiss cheese can also work well. The smooth nutty flavor complements the other ingredients. Gruyère is another good melty choice that provides a nice savory depth.
Most modern versions of chicken cordon bleu use convenient sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese. But you can also use fancy prosciutto ham and wedges of actual bleu cheese for a more authentic rendition.
Recommended Cheeses for Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Bleu cheese (bleu de Bresse, gorgonzola, Roquefort, etc)
- Swiss cheese
- Gruyère
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
- Cheddar
- Monterey Jack
- Fontina
The Ham in Chicken Cordon Bleu
The ham in chicken cordon bleu plays an important supporting role. It provides a hit of umami savoriness and pairs beautifully with the cheese. Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is made with sliced deli ham.
A higher quality sliced ham will give you better texture and flavor. Going with a premium black forest ham or smoked prosciutto will make a difference you can taste. However, basic sliced deli ham will still do the trick on a budget.
You can also use other cured or preserved meats like salami, pancetta, and coppa ham. The pork flavor complements the chicken beautifully. Just adjust the salt and spice levels since these meats often contain lots of seasoning.
Recommended Hams for Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Sliced deli ham
- Prosciutto
- Black forest ham
- Serrano ham
- Speck
- Pancetta
- Coppa
The Cooking Process for Chicken Cordon Bleu
To make chicken cordon bleu, a chicken breast is pounded thin and layered with ham and cheese. Then it is rolled up and sealed. Traditional recipes bread and fry the chicken rolls. But healthier baked and grilled versions are also very popular.
Classic Technique
- Pound or slice chicken breasts thin
- Layer with ham and cheese
- Roll up and seal or skewer closed
- Coat with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
- Fry in oil or pan fry until browned and cooked through
Baked Technique
- Pound or slice chicken thin
- Layer with ham and cheese
- Roll up and seal
- Coat with egg and breadcrumbs
- Bake in oven until browned and cooked through
Grilled Technique
- Pound or slice chicken thin
- Layer with ham and cheese
- Roll up and seal with toothpicks
- Brush with oil or marinade
- Grill until charred and cooked through
The chicken rolls should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Cooking them until the center is hot and melty ensures the cheese is fully melted. Whether pan frying, baking, or grilling, take care not to overcook the chicken and dry it out.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is usually served as an entrée with a side dish or two. Here are some tasty side dish ideas:
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Pasta or roasted potatoes
- Steamed vegetables
- Garden salad
- Dinner rolls
It also pairs well with creamy sauce. Drizzle the chicken with a sauce like:
- Béchamel
- Velouté
- Alfredo
- Wine cream sauce
- Mustard cream sauce
For a complete meal, try serving chicken cordon bleu with buttered noodles, steamed broccoli, and a nice white wine.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points on the meaning behind the “bleu” in chicken cordon bleu:
- Cordon bleu refers to the blue ribbon used for culinary honors
- The “bleu” describes the type of cheese used – bleu cheese
- Traditional recipes use French or Swiss bleu cheese
- The ham provides savory, salty flavor
- Chicken breasts are stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried, baked or grilled
So in summary, the “bleu” in chicken cordon bleu refers directly to the blue cheese used in the classic dish. The French name highlights the refinement of the stuffed chicken rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called chicken cordon bleu?
It is called chicken cordon bleu because of the French phrase meaning “blue ribbon” which originally referred to culinary excellence. The “bleu” part of the name also refers to the bleu or blue cheese used in the recipe.
What cheese is used in chicken cordon bleu?
Traditionally bleu cheese is used, but Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, and other melty cheeses also work well. Using a cheese with some pungency is best to balance the ham.
What type of ham do you use?
Deli ham is most common, but fancy hams like prosciutto, Black Forest ham, serrano, speck, pancetta, and coppa can also be used for flavor.
How do you cook chicken cordon bleu?
Traditionally chicken cordon bleu is breaded and fried but it can also be baked or grilled. The chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F to ensure safety and melt the cheese.
What sides go with chicken cordon bleu?
Rice, pasta, potatoes, steamed veggies, salad, and bread are all excellent sides. A creamy sauce also complements the chicken wonderfully.
Conclusion
Chicken cordon bleu gets its name from the French phrase meaning “blue ribbon” which was used to denote culinary excellence. But the “bleu” also refers directly to the type of cheese used – bleu or blue cheese. Stuffing chicken breasts with ham and melting cheese elevates the dish to elegant heights.
While the original recipe calls for bleu cheese, other melty cheeses like Swiss pair deliciously with the ham. Premium deli ham provides the best flavor, but even inexpensive sliced ham imparts welcome saltiness. Breaded and fried is traditional, but healthier baked or grilled versions are also fantastic.
With its refined flavors and textures, chicken cordon bleu is a dish worthy of a blue ribbon! The cheese is what truly makes it bleu.