How To Make Store Bought Chicken Cordon Bleu Taste Restaurant Quality
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that everyone seems to love. The combination of chicken, ham, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. While making chicken cordon bleu from scratch can be time consuming, store bought versions offer a convenient shortcut for a delicious meal. However, premade chicken cordon bleu often lacks the flavor and texture of homemade. With a few simple tricks, you can easily transform freezer-aisle chicken cordon bleu into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Read The Packaging CarefullyThe first step is to carefully read the cooking instructions on the package Different brands of premade chicken cordon bleu recommend slightly different baking temperatures and times Some may suggest thawing first while others are designed to be cooked directly from frozen, Following the recommended oven temp and cook time is important to prevent the chicken from drying out or the breading burning, Checking internal temperature with a meat thermometer is also key,
If the package says to thaw before cooking, make sure to do so overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Thawing at room temperature can cause bacteria to grow. A partial thaw is best because some ice crystals will create steam that will help the chicken stay moist while baking. Do not let the food thaw in water; this will make the breading soggy.
Use A Baking Sheet
Baking your chicken cordon bleu on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or foil allows the hot air to circulate evenly around each piece for crispy breading on all sides. It also catches any cheese that may leak out during cooking. Avoid overcrowding the pan, leaving at least 1 inch between pieces.
Brush With Olive Oil Or Butter
Right before baking, brush the top of each chicken cordon bleu with olive oil, butter, or even just water. This helps promote browning and crisping of the breading. You can brush on an additional layer halfway through baking for extra golden color if needed.
Bake At The Right Temperature
Ideal oven temperature for store bought chicken cordon bleu is 375-400°F. This allows the breading to crisp and chicken to cook through without drying out. Bake for the recommended time, then check internal temperature in the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F. Continue cooking if needed until done.
Broil For A Crisp Crust
If the chicken cordon bleu is cooked through but still pale and soft, switch your oven to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. This intense direct heat will crisp and brown the topping nicely. You can also pan fry or air fry instead of baking for a guaranteed crunchy crust.
Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the chicken cordon bleu rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting it. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moister bite. Tempting as it may be, don’t skip this step!.
Serve with Sides That Go Well With It: The flavor of chicken cordon bleu can really be improved by serving it with the right sides. You could have mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Put a creamy mushroom, lemon butter, or Dijon mustard sauce on the side so it looks like it came from a restaurant.
Add Fresh Herbs and Spices: One easy way to make ready-made chicken cordon bleu taste better is to sprinkle it with fresh herbs before baking. Try chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, or even lemon zest. As an extra touch, you can add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Putting a minced garlic clove on top makes it smell great.
Experiment With Fillings
While ham and Swiss is classic, get creative with the fillings! Try provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for the cheese. Substitute turkey, prosciutto, salami, bacon, or pancetta for the ham. Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers also make delicious additions to the interior stuffing.
Make An Elevated Sauce
Serve your chicken cordon bleu with a homemade sauce for maximum impact. Options include lemon butter, white wine cream sauce, easy cheese sauce, Dijon mustard cream, and velvety mushroom gravy. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
With these simple tricks, it’s easy to transform basic store bought chicken cordon bleu into a gourmet worthy dish. The right cooking techniques and complementary flavors will have your family thinking you slaved over the stove all day. Best of all, you’ll save time without sacrificing an ounce of taste.
Best Ways to Cook
Here at Sealand Quality Foods, our premium products are Individually Quick Frozen in right-sized portions for the perfect serving every time. Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu from frozen using one of these simple cooking methods. INDIVIDUAL APPLIANCE TEMPERATURE MAY VARY THE COOKING TIME. USE CAUTION AS PRODUCT WILL BE HOT!.
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu (Baked or Fried)
FAQ
How do you cook pre made Chicken Cordon Bleu?
InstructionsKeep product in tin pan and place on cooking sheet. Bake at 375°F for about 50 minutes or until internal temperature reaches a minimum of 165°F. Let cool, serve and enjoy!.
How to cook grocery store cordon bleu?
Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in a 325°F (170°C) pot of oil, and cook about 5 minutes per side or until the outside is an even golden brown. If a good color is achieved and the chicken’s center is still not 165°F (74°C), you can finish the chicken in an oven at 325°F (170°C) until that temperature is reached.
Is it better to fry or bake chicken cordon bleu?
You can bake cordon bleu to get a crisp crust, but frying it is really the best way to make it. Some things are bad about deep-frying, but we really want that oil-and-high-heat finish! Our cooking method does that for us! Then, of course, we want cheese and ham.
How long do you cook Chicken Cordon Bleu from Kroger?
Dip chicken into milk mixture, then into bread crumbs to coat. Place in 2 glass baking dishes (13 by 9 inches). Bake chicken for 15 minutes, then carefully turn with a large spatula and bake for 15 to 20 minutes longer or until chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove toothpicks and slice rolls into 2-inch pieces.