Take a classic dish and turn it into a sandwich that’s easy to make and delivers all of the same flavors as the original.
One of my all-time favorite dishes has to be chicken cordon bleu. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that. Most people believe it to be a French dish because it has a French name that translates to “blue ribbon” in English. Also, it’s the name of a prestigious culinary school founded in Paris. However, most people may not know that cordon bleu was likely invented by a Swiss chef.
Either way, it’s not the easiest dish to prepare, which is why many people only enjoy it in restaurants. However, I’ve tried many ways of replicating chicken cordon bleu at home. The one that I found to be the best, no matter your level of culinary skill, is this recipe for a chicken cordon bleu sandwich.
Admittedly, this recipe isn’t quite as simple as making an ordinary sandwich. There are multiple steps beyond putting deli meat on bread. However, it can still be prepared in 30 minutes or less. More importantly, the main ingredients in traditional cordon bleu are all part of this sandwich. You get the taste of savory and seasoned chicken that’s surrounded by ham. Of course, my favorite part of cordon bleu is the melted cheese. It’s so tasty and gooey, and more than anything else, the cheese is what makes me look forward to every bite of this sandwich.
A few variations to try
Without a doubt, the chicken, ham, and cheese are the most important parts of chicken cordon bleu. However, there are little ways to expand the flavor profile. For example, you may want to marinate the chicken in your favorite herbs prior to grilling it. Likewise, you can add seasonings to the chicken while it’s cooking. It can be as simple as adding oregano or thyme, or you may want to add a pinch of cayenne to give the chicken a little kick. I also recommend trying Gruyère cheese either as a substitute for Swiss cheese or in addition to Swiss. Gruyère cheese melts beautifully and also adds extra flavor. Finally, to give the sandwich a little kick, you can use Dijon mustard instead of mayonnaise on the bread, or perhaps use a mixture of Dijon and mayonnaise.
How do I store leftovers?
You can store the assembled/grilled sandwich in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can either put the sandwich in a toaster oven, an air fryer, or pan fry it in a skillet over low heat. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it could cause the sandwich to become soggy.
Serving suggestions
Potatoes are one of my favorite side dishes to have with any chicken cordon bleu meal, even the sandwich version. I suggest Roasted Red Potatoes or Garlic Mashed Potatoes. You can also mix it up with this Sweet Potato Salad or something like Air-Fryer Asparagus or Roasted Brussels Sprouts.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 slices whole wheat sandwich bread
- Mayonnaise to taste
- 4 slices baby Swiss cheese
- 8 slices lean ham
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the pounded chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Add the garlic during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Smear the opposite side of each bread slice with as much mayo as you prefer. Lay two bread slices with the mayo side facing up, and layer one slice of Swiss cheese, two slices of ham, and a sliced piece of chicken on top of each.
- Add another slice of Swiss cheese and two more slices of ham on the chicken. Top with the remaining bread slices (butter side facing up).
- Place the sandwiches in a hot pan over medium heat, and cover the pan for about 2 minutes to melt the cheese. Remove the lid, and flip the sandwiches to lightly toast the other side before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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