How To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu In An Air Fryer
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
Selecting high-quality chicken breasts is the first step to a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Look for breasts which are firm to the touch, with no discoloration or unpleasant odors.
Avoid breasts that are slimy or have a greyish hue, indicating they could be old or improperly saved.
The dimension of the breast is important; purpose for comparatively uniform thickness to make sure even cooking within the air fryer.
If the breasts are too thick, you could have to butterfly them – slicing them horizontally virtually throughout to create a thinner, larger piece.
This helps ensure the chicken cooks through earlier than the other elements burn.
Once you’ve selected your chicken, it’s essential to correctly put together them for the air fryer.
Begin by thoroughly rinsing the breasts under cold water, removing any seen impurities.
Pat the breasts completely dry with paper towels. This is essential for reaching a crispy exterior within the air fryer.
Any residual moisture will steam the chicken as a substitute of permitting it to crisp.
You can now tenderize the chicken breasts, if desired. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them to an even thickness, being cautious to not tear the meat.
Tenderizing helps to make sure even cooking and makes the chicken extra palatable, significantly if using thicker cuts.
For optimum taste, you’ll find a way to season the chicken breasts at this stage.
A easy seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is an efficient starting point, but be at liberty to experiment with different herbs and spices corresponding to paprika, onion powder, or thyme.
Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the floor of the chicken.
Some recipes call for a short marinade prior to cooking. A simple marinade of olive oil, Chicken cordon bleu recipe lemon juice, and herbs can add extra flavor and moisture.
Remember to allow enough time for the marinade to penetrate the chicken; no less than 30 minutes is recommended.
Finally, before stuffing and assembling your Chicken Cordon Bleu, ensure the chicken is completely dry once more after any marinating process.
This ultimate pat-down helps with reaching that desired crispy air-fried finish.
Properly ready chicken breasts are key to a successful Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, leading to a juicy and flavorful ultimate product.
Begin by selecting high-quality chicken breasts. Aim for uniform measurement and thickness for even cooking.
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a pointy knife, gently butterfly every breast by slicing horizontally almost all the method in which through, making a pocket.
Be careful to not minimize throughout; you want to create a flap, not separate pieces.
Gently open the butterflied chicken breasts to flatten them barely, making certain even thickness throughout.
This prevents some elements from cooking sooner than others within the air fryer.
Seasoning is vital for scrumptious Chicken Cordon Bleu. Start with a easy base of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season either side generously.
Consider including other savory seasonings. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can improve the flavor.
For a extra complex taste profile, strive a blend of herbs de Provence or a customized mixture of your favorite dried herbs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your choice.
Once seasoned, you’ll be able to choose to let the chicken rest for a while to allow the flavors to meld, about 15-30 minutes within the refrigerator is good.
This is especially useful should you’re using a wet brine or marinade, allowing the chicken to absorb more taste.
However, for a faster course of, you possibly can proceed on to the following step of assembling the Cordon Bleu.
Remember that over-seasoning could be detrimental, so start with a modest amount and add extra if needed. It’s always simpler to add than to take away.
Using fresh herbs, if desired, provides a nice fresh factor to the dish. Finely chop contemporary herbs like thyme or Chicken cordon bleu recipe rosemary earlier than incorporating them into the seasoning mix or sprinkling them on top after the chicken has been ready.
Proper seasoning is crucial for a flavorful and scrumptious Chicken Cordon Bleu; it’s the muse of an excellent dish.
Always verify for any remaining ice crystals on the chicken earlier than seasoning if it has been refrigerated. This will allow the seasoning to raised adhere to the meat.
- Key factors for making ready the chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts rigorously.
- Ensure even thickness for constant cooking.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, and different desired spices.
- Allow the chicken to rest for optimum flavor absorption (optional).
Preparing the Filling
First, let’s prepare the chicken. Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces every. Lightly pound them to an even thickness, guaranteeing they’re about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
Next, put together the ham. Use thinly sliced ham, round 4-5 slices per breast. You can use a deli-sliced ham or pre-cut ham steaks. If the ham is thick, you can gently pound it thinner with a meat mallet to match the chicken.
Now for the cheese. Swiss cheese is conventional, however Gruyere or provolone additionally work properly. Slice it thinly, aiming for slices that are slightly smaller than the ham to stop the cheese from oozing out during cooking.
Assemble the Cordon Bleu. Lay a slice of chicken flat. Top with a few slices of ham and then cheese. Top with one other slice of chicken.
Secure the chicken. You can use toothpicks to hold the layered chicken, ham, and cheese together. Alternatively, you can use kitchen twine, but toothpicks are usually simpler for air fryer cooking.
Prepare the bread crumbs. You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture or regular breadcrumbs. Season the breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and some other desired herbs or spices.
Bread the chicken. Dip each assembled Cordon Bleu piece in beaten egg, then dredge within the seasoned breadcrumbs, making certain it is totally coated.
Preheating the air fryer is crucial. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and turns into crispy.
Air frying the chicken. Place the breaded Cordon Bleu pieces within the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping midway through, till the chicken is golden brown and cooked via.
Check for doneness. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the inner temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and suitable for eating.
Rest and serve. Once cooked, remove the Cordon Bleu from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This permits the juices to redistribute, leading to a more tender and flavorful chicken. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu!
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Ensure they are patted totally dry with paper towels; this helps them crisp up nicely within the air fryer.
Butterfly every chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost throughout, making a pocket. Be cautious not to minimize fully through.
Gently open every breast to create a thin, even layer, making it simpler to fill and cook dinner evenly.
For the filling, begin with thinly sliced ham. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll soften and integrate with the cheese.
Use a good quality ham; its flavor will significantly contribute to the general taste of the sous-chef.
Next, prepare the cheese. For a traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, Gruyere or Swiss cheese is good, but you possibly can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or Fontina.
The key is to use a cheese that melts nicely and has a nice, wealthy flavor.
Shred the cheese using a field grater. This produces consistent, small pieces that soften evenly all through the chicken.
Avoid using pre-shredded cheese because it usually accommodates cellulose which might stop it from melting properly.
Shred sufficient cheese to generously fill the chicken breasts. A good quantity ensures a gooey, satisfying center.
If utilizing a mix of cheeses, shred them individually to ensure even distribution within the filling.
Once the ham and cheese are ready, assemble the filling. Place a few slices of ham in the center of every butterflied chicken breast.
Top the ham with a generous quantity of shredded cheese, making a mound in the heart.
Carefully fold the chicken breast over the filling, enclosing it completely.
Using toothpicks or kitchen twine, secure the sides of the chicken breast to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
Season the outside of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
You also can add different seasonings, similar to garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning, to boost the flavour.
Once the chicken is prepared and seasoned, it is ready for breading (if desired) and then air frying.
Assembling the Cordon Bleu
Begin by prepping your chicken breasts. Cut them in half horizontally to create thinner, extra evenly cooking items. Pound them gently to a fair thickness, guaranteeing they are not too thin to prevent tearing.
Season generously with salt and pepper. A touch of garlic powder and paprika enhances the flavour.
Next, prepare your cheese. Gruyere or Swiss are traditional choices, but you presumably can experiment with other melting cheeses like provolone or even a blend.
Slice your cheese into skinny, even strips – roughly the identical length as your chicken breasts. The evenness ensures consistent melting and prevents pockets of unmelted cheese.
Now for the ham. Use thinly sliced ham, ideally a high-quality selection. Again, purpose for strips roughly the same length as your chicken and cheese.
Lay a chicken breast flat on your work surface. Place a strip of ham centrally on top.
Arrange a strip of cheese on prime of the ham. Don’t overload the chicken; too much filling can lead to messy results.
Carefully fold the chicken breast over the filling, utterly enclosing the ham and cheese. Gently press the perimeters to seal.
Secure the chicken utilizing toothpicks. This retains the filling contained during cooking and prevents it from spilling out.
Prepare your bread crumbs. You can use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier result, or regular breadcrumbs will work simply nice. Season them with somewhat salt, pepper, and optionally some Italian seasoning.
Dip every chicken cordon bleu in beaten egg, making certain it’s fully coated.
Next, press the chicken into the seasoned breadcrumbs, making certain full protection.
Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded chicken cordon bleu within the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t seem to be overcrowded. Overcrowding prevents even cooking.
Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the inner temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked by way of and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Flip midway via for even browning.
Once cooked, carefully remove the toothpicks earlier than serving.
Serve instantly and luxuriate in your scrumptious air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu!
First, prepare your elements. Ensure your chicken breasts are thawed and patted fully dry with paper towels. This is essential for reaching a crispy exterior within the air fryer.
Lightly pound the chicken breasts to a good thickness. This ensures even cooking and prevents some parts from being undercooked whereas others are overdone. Aim for about half of inch thickness.
Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. You can also add different seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or onion powder for additional taste. Be aware to not over-season, as the ham and cheese will also contribute flavor.
Place a slice of ham on each chicken breast. The ham ought to be barely smaller than the chicken breast to stop it from overflowing.
Top the ham with a slice of Swiss cheese (or Gruyere, if preferred). Again, make sure the cheese is slightly smaller than the ham to avoid spillage.
Carefully roll up every chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides to create a neat cylinder. You may have to use toothpicks to safe the roll, guaranteeing the cheese and ham stay inside during cooking.
Once rolled, you’ll have the ability to additional secure the chicken sous-chef utilizing kitchen twine. This is optionally available but helps keep its shape and prevents unraveling throughout cooking.
Lightly coat the chicken rolls in a little olive oil or cooking spray. This will assist them brown nicely within the air fryer.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). The preheating step is essential for achieving the best results.
Place the chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer basket, making certain they don’t seem to be overcrowded. Overcrowding will hinder proper air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping midway via. Cooking time may vary relying on the thickness of your chicken and your air fryer mannequin. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before eradicating toothpicks or twine.
Serve instantly and enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer chicken cordon bleu!
Optional additions: You can add a breadcrumb coating to the skin of the chicken earlier than air frying for extra crispness. Alternatively, you need to use various varieties of cheese or add sliced mushrooms for further flavor.
- Tip 1: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is essential to making sure even cooking.
- Tip 2: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken is cooked by way of to a secure inside temperature.
- Tip three: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to permit the juices to redistribute.
Air Fryer Cooking
Air frying chicken sous-chef offers a faster, more healthy various to deep frying, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a juicy, flavorful inside. The key to success lies in correct preparation and understanding your air fryer’s capabilities.
Begin by choosing high-quality elements. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier dealing with. The thickness ought to be relatively uniform, around ½ inch to ¾ inch, to ensure constant browning and doneness. Thicker breasts may require longer cooking times or flipping halfway via.
Prepare the filling. Thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese are traditional selections, however be happy to experiment with totally different cheeses (gruyere, provolone) or cured meats (prosciutto, salami). Ensure the cheese is not too thick, in any other case it might ooze out during cooking.
Assemble the sous-chef. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally virtually all the way through, creating a pocket. Place a couple of slices of ham and cheese into each pocket, then rigorously close the chicken breast. Secure the sides with toothpicks to forestall the filling from spilling out.
Dredge the chicken. This step adds additional crispiness. A easy breadcrumb coating works wonders. You can use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crispier texture, or regular breadcrumbs for a extra substantial coating. Dip every chicken breast in overwhelmed egg, then dredge thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs to make sure they adhere nicely.
Preheating your air fryer is essential for achieving that desirable crispy exterior. Most air fryers profit from preheating for 3-5 minutes at the target cooking temperature, typically around 375°F (190°C). This preheating step ensures even heat distribution and crispier outcomes. Don’t skip this step!
Arrange the chicken within the air fryer basket. Ensure that the chicken breasts are not overcrowded; proper airflow is important for even cooking. If essential, cook dinner in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming as an alternative of crisping.
Air fry the chicken. The cooking time will vary relying in your air fryer’s wattage and the thickness of the chicken breasts. A good start line is 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway via for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to verify for doneness; the interior temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest the chicken. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes earlier than serving. This permits the juices to redistribute, resulting in a extra tender and flavorful chicken sous-chef. Remove the toothpicks earlier than serving.
Serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and healthier air fryer chicken cordon bleu! Consider serving it with a facet of roasted greens or a contemporary salad for a whole and satisfying meal.
Experiment with totally different seasonings. Before breading the chicken, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs for enhanced taste. You may even use a pre-made seasoned breadcrumb combine.
Clean your air fryer promptly. After cooking, permit the air fryer to chill down barely earlier than cleansing. Wipe down the basket and tray with a damp cloth or sponge. For cussed residue, seek the assistance of your air fryer’s instruction manual for cleaning recommendations.
Note: Cooking instances and temperatures might have adjustments relying on your specific air fryer model and the dimensions of your chicken breasts. Always monitor the cooking course of and regulate accordingly to attain completely cooked chicken cordon bleu.
Air frying chicken cordon bleu provides a more healthy, faster various to deep frying, leading to a crispy exterior and juicy inside.
Preparation is vital. Start with high-quality boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (about ½ inch) for uniform cooking.
Next, put together the filling. Thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese are classic choices, however you probably can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or provolone, or even add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Assemble the cordon bleu by putting a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast. Fold the chicken breast over the filling to surround it utterly. Secure with toothpicks to prevent the filling from spilling out throughout cooking.
Before air frying, it’s crucial to bread the chicken. A simple breading of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs works nicely. Ensure each piece is totally coated.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and crisps correctly.
Arrange the breaded chicken cordon bleu within the air fryer basket, making certain they don’t appear to be overcrowded. Overcrowding will impede air circulation and result in uneven cooking.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping midway via. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your air fryer mannequin. Thicker breasts would require an extended cooking time.
Use a meat thermometer to examine for doneness. The inner temperature ought to reach 165°F (74°C) to make sure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Once cooked, fastidiously remove the chicken cordon bleu from the air fryer basket. Allow it to relaxation for a few minutes earlier than eradicating the toothpicks.
Serve immediately. You can garnish with parsley or a lemon wedge.
Tips for Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu Success:
-
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to make sure even cooking.
-
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches a protected inside temperature.
-
Experiment with completely different cheeses and fillings to create your personal distinctive variations.
-
For further crispy outcomes, you can spray the chicken with slightly cooking oil earlier than air frying.
-
Adjust cooking time relying on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your air fryer model.
-
Allow the chicken to relaxation for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, leading to a extra tender and flavorful chicken.
Troubleshooting:
-
Chicken is dry: Reduce cooking time or temperature. Ensure the chicken is not overcrowded.
-
Chicken is not crispy: Increase cooking time slightly or spray with additional cooking oil before air frying.
-
Filling just isn’t cooked by way of: Increase cooking time or make certain the chicken is not too thick.
Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer chicken cordon bleu!
Achieving completely cooked chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer requires attention to each cooking time and internal temperature.
Preparation is key. Begin with high-quality, thin-cut chicken breasts. Pound them to a good thickness to ensure even cooking. Overly thick items shall be undercooked within the heart whereas the outside is browned.
Assembly: Layer every chicken breast with a slice of lean ham and a generous portion of cheese (Gruyere or Swiss work well). Roll tightly and safe with toothpicks.
Breading: A gentle breading helps create a crispy exterior. You can use panko breadcrumbs, seasoned all-purpose flour, or a combination. Dip the chicken in beaten egg, then dredge in breadcrumbs, urgent gently to adhere.
Air Fryer Settings: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for a minimum of 5 minutes. This ensures a crisp crust.
Cooking Time: The cooking time is dependent upon the thickness of your chicken breasts and your air fryer mannequin. Start with 12-15 minutes, flipping midway by way of. Thicker pieces may require an extra 5-7 minutes.
Checking for Doneness: This is essential. Do not rely solely on visible cues. The chicken must be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a food thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it reaches an inner temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is absolutely cooked and safe to eat.
Signs of Doneness (Beyond Temperature):
-
The chicken is opaque throughout, with no pink areas remaining.
-
The juices run clear, not pink or bloody.
-
The breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
Troubleshooting:
-
Undercooked Center: Increase cooking time in 2-3 minute intervals, checking the inner temperature with a thermometer after each enhance.
-
Burnt Exterior: Reduce cooking temperature by 10-20°F (5-10°C) and/or monitor the chicken extra intently, probably shifting its position to make sure even browning.
-
Uneven Cooking: Arrange the chicken in a single layer, ensuring that it is not overcrowded. This permits for correct air circulation.
Resting: Once cooked, take away the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes earlier than serving. This permits the juices to redistribute, leading to a extra tender and flavorful chicken sous-chef.
Serving Suggestions: Serve your air fryer chicken sous-chef with a aspect of creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted greens.
Remember, all the time prioritize meals security. Using a meat thermometer is essentially the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a secure internal temperature.
Serving Suggestions
For an air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu, the secret’s to stability the richness of the dish with lighter, brighter sides.
Classic pairings emphasize the French flair: a simple green salad with a lightweight French dressing, maybe incorporating some frisee or mesclun for added texture and a barely bitter counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.
Roasted asparagus or broccoli offers a wholesome and visually appealing distinction. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables, whereas their green color enhances the golden-brown of the chicken.
A creamy facet can also be a winner, but go for something lighter than a heavy potato gratin. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes or a simple mashed cauliflower with herbs provide an opulent feel with out overpowering the principle dish.
For a more rustic strategy, think about roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and potatoes, tossed with herbs like rosemary and thyme. The earthiness of the foundation greens provides a grounding element to the elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu.
A light and brilliant pasta salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs could supply a refreshing contrast, particularly if you’re serving the cordon bleu during hotter months. Avoid heavy creamy pasta salads as they are often too wealthy alongside the chicken.
If you favor grains, a simple quinoa salad with chopped vegetables and a lemon-herb dressing could be a healthy and flavorful accompaniment. Wild rice pilaf with dried cranberries and toasted pecans adds a more refined contact.
Don’t overlook the bread! A simple crust baguette or a rustic sourdough roll provides the right car for soaking up any delicious pan juices.
To elevate the meal further, consider including a sauteed green bean dish seasoned merely with garlic and butter. The gentle bitterness and crisp texture are a beautiful complement to the richness of the chicken.
For a really special day, a simple yet elegant aspect salad with goat cheese and candied pecans adds a contact of sophistication. The tangy goat cheese cuts by way of the richness of the chicken, while the candied pecans add a touch of sweetness and crunch.
Finally, a fruit compote or chutney can be an unexpected yet delightful addition. A cranberry-orange chutney, for example, presents a sweet and tart counterpoint to the savory chicken, adding an interesting flavor dimension.
Remember to consider the general steadiness of flavors and textures when choosing your side dishes. The objective is to create a harmonious meal where every element enhances the others, allowing the scrumptious air fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu to really shine.
For the best air fryer chicken cordon bleu, consider these serving ideas:
• Classic Sides: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting distinction to the crispy chicken. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides freshness and lightness. Roasted asparagus or green beans provide a healthy, flavorful counterpoint.
• Elevated Sides: Risotto, notably a creamy mushroom risotto, elevates the dish to a extra sophisticated stage. A potato gratin adds richness and texture. Wild rice pilaf offers a nutty and earthy complement.
• Comfort Food Sides: Macaroni and cheese is a classic pairing for any fried or baked chicken dish. Garlic bread provides a garlicky, buttery note. Simple buttered noodles provide a smooth, delicate accompaniment.
• International Flair: Serve with a side of couscous for a Mediterranean touch. Polenta, particularly creamy polenta, presents a hearty and satisfying facet. A easy quinoa salad adds a wholesome and vibrant component.
Now, let’s discover sauce choices to boost your air fryer chicken sous-chef:
1. Classic Béchamel: A wealthy and creamy white sauce, a béchamel sauce is a basic pairing, balancing the richness of the chicken and ham.
2. Mushroom Cream Sauce: Sautéed mushrooms in a creamy sauce add an earthy depth of flavor.
3. Lemon-Butter Sauce: A brilliant and zesty lemon-butter sauce cuts via the richness of the dish.
4. Mustard Sauce: A Dijon or whole grain mustard sauce provides a tangy kick.
5. Creamy Tomato Sauce: A easy tomato sauce, barely thickened with cream, supplies a contrasting sweetness.
6. Bearnaise Sauce: For a very decadent expertise, a rich and flavorful Bearnaise sauce is an excellent alternative, though it requires extra preparation.
7. Red Wine Reduction: A rich and complicated pink wine discount sauce adds a classy contact.
8. Simple Pan Sauce: Use the rendered fats from the chicken in the air fryer to create a fast pan sauce with shallots, garlic, and white wine.
9. Garlic Aioli: A garlicky mayonnaise-based sauce presents a flavorful and creamy possibility.
10. Horseradish Cream Sauce: Adds a spicy, creamy kick to the dish. A little bit of this sauce will go a good distance.
Remember to assume about the overall stability of flavors and textures when choosing your sides and sauce. A lighter facet dish may pair well with a richer sauce, and Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe vice versa. Experiment and discover your good combination!