how do i cook store bought chicken cordon bleu

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,

Thaw Properly If NeededIf the packaging states to thaw before cooking, be sure to do so in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave Room temperature thawing can lead to bacterial growth A partial thaw is ideal, as some ice crystals will produce steam and help the chicken stay moist during baking. Avoid thawing in water, which will cause the breading to become 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.

Allow To Rest Before Serving
After baking, let the chicken cordon bleu rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a moister bite. Tempting as it may be, don’t skip this step!

Serve With Complementary Sides
Well-chosen side dishes can really enhance chicken cordon bleu’s flavor. Consider roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad. For a restaurant feel, serve it with a creamy mushroom, lemon butter, or Dijon mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Add Fresh Herbs And Spices
One easy way to elevate the taste of premade chicken cordon bleu is to coat it with fresh herbs before baking. Try chopped rosemary, thyme, sage, parsley, or even lemon zest. You can also sprinkle on garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper for extra flavor. Rubbing a minced garlic clove over the top adds wonderful aroma.

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.