Chicken Cordon Bleu's Perfect Pairing: Discover Delicious Sides

what side dish goes well with chicken cordon blu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a Swiss dish that combines breadcrumbs, chicken, ham, and cheese. It is a rich and flavourful meal that can be served as a fancy or casual dish, depending on the occasion. When it comes to side dishes, there are many options that can complement the flavours and textures of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Whether you're looking for something starchy, roasted, fresh, or unique, here are some side dish suggestions to elevate your Chicken Cordon Bleu dinner.

Characteristics Values
Starch Steamed white rice, sauteed rice with garlic and butter, creamy noodles, macaroni and cheese, french fries
Vegetables Roasted veggies, sauteed broccolini, green beans, asparagus, salads
Fruits Watermelon salad with feta cheese
Bread Garlic parmesan cheese pull-apart garlic bread

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Starch and vegetables

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich dish, with chicken, ham, and cheese, so it is best served with a starchy side to balance the protein and fat. A simple serving of steamed white rice is a great option as it has a mild flavour that won't overpower the dish. You can also sauté the rice with garlic and butter for added flavour.

If you're looking for a more Western option, mashed potatoes or French fries are a great starchy side. Russet potatoes, in particular, are a good choice, especially when seasoned with olive oil and kosher salt.

For a healthier option, roasted vegetables are a great choice. Green beans, asparagus, and broccolini are all good options. You can also serve a salad, such as a watermelon salad with feta cheese, or a classic homemade coleslaw.

If you're looking for something more filling, creamy noodles are a quick and easy option. Simply cook some spaghetti and mix it with cream cheese, milk, parmesan, garlic, butter, Cajun seasoning, onion, and parsley.

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Salads

For a classic option, a copycat Olive Garden signature salad with olives, tomatoes, and Italian dressing is a great choice. If you're looking for something with a bit more crunch, an apple and goat cheese salad is a perfect side for almost any meal. The crisp, tart apple pairs beautifully with the creamy goat cheese. You can also add a grilled chicken breast to this salad to make it a full meal.

If you're looking for a salad that's a little more hearty, a chicken salad chick broccoli salad is a great option. This salad is packed with protein and flavour. Finally, a simple tomato and cucumber salad is always a refreshing option, especially if you add pickled red onions and feta cheese for an extra punch of flavour.

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Sauces

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich dish, so a fresh and light sauce balances it well. A creamy mustard or dijon cream sauce is a popular choice, and you can make it by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a paste or roux. Cook this for a minute or so, then add milk and allow the sauce to thicken. You can then add mustard, parmesan, salt, and pepper to taste. Some recipes suggest adding basil or paprika for a brighter flavour.

You can also make a simple dijon cream sauce by adding dijon mustard to double (or heavy) cream and heating it through. This sauce can be used as a dip for grilled cheese sandwiches or drizzled over baked salmon.

If you want to make a parmesan cream sauce, you can add real mayonnaise to the parmesan and dijon mustard mixture, creating a creamy texture.

For a lighter version of the creamy sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of double cream. If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a slurry of cornstarch and water, then whisk it into the heated sauce.

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Steamed rice

Chicken cordon bleu is a Swiss dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. A side dish to go with this meal should balance out the umami and richness of the main course. Steamed rice is a great option as it has a mild flavour and provides a starchy contrast to the protein and fat of the chicken cordon bleu.

Rice is a versatile grain that can be prepared in a variety of ways to complement chicken cordon bleu. Steaming rice is a simple and quick method that yields fluffy, separate grains. This technique is gentle and efficient, preserving the rice's natural flavour and nutrients. Steaming is also a healthy alternative to other cooking methods, as it requires minimal oil or additional ingredients.

To elevate your steamed rice, consider adding a pat of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the natural sweetness of the grain. For a nuttier flavour and chewier texture, you can try the absorption method, where the rice is cooked in a measured amount of liquid, such as broth or coconut milk, until all the liquid is absorbed. This technique adds depth of flavour to the rice and makes it richer and more indulgent.

If you're looking for a more colourful and flavourful dish, steaming rice with vegetables is an excellent option. You can add chopped carrots, peas, or bell peppers during the steaming process to infuse the rice with colour and a subtle vegetable essence. For a more distinct flavour, sautéing the rice with garlic and butter before steaming can add a delightful aroma and a subtle kick without overwhelming the flavours of the chicken cordon bleu.

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Roasted vegetables

To prepare the roasted vegetables, start by peeling and cutting your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Common choices include potatoes, carrots, beetroot, and beans. You can also add in some peeled and cubed vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes. Blanch the beans separately in boiling water for two minutes, then mix all the vegetables together.

Coat the vegetables (except the beans) with oil and place them in a preheated oven to cook. Roast until they are tender and slightly browned. For the beans, sauté them slowly in butter, then add stock and reduce the mixture by half.

The chicken cordon bleu can be prepared while the vegetables are roasting. This involves stuffing chicken breasts with a filling of cheese, tarragon, and pancetta, then coating them with a flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture. The chicken is then fried until golden brown and finished in the oven.

Once the chicken and vegetables are cooked, assemble the dish by placing a mound of vegetables on a plate and arranging the chicken on top. This combination of roasted vegetables and chicken cordon bleu offers a delicious and well-rounded meal, providing a balance of flavours and textures.

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