Cordon bleu is a classic Swiss dish that has been part of many families for many years. Since it is delicate and elevated, serving it with the wrong side dish can make your meal fall apart. On the other hand, choosing the perfect side dish will boost your recipe to the next level.
In this article, we will be covering all the best side dishes for chicken cordon bleu that you should know and try to make at home!
What Is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The term cordon bleu means blue ribbon in French. It is often a dish where the meat is wrapped around cheese or contains cheese, and then it is breaded and pan-fried. While you can make it with veal, pork, and ham, chicken cordon bleu contains a chicken breast.
Unlike what people believe, cordon bleu as a dish came to be in Switzerland in the 1940s. These days, chicken cordon bleu involves butterfly cutting the chicken breast, filling it with ham, melted cheese, and then rolling it like a roulade. This roll is then breaded and fried, but can be baked as well.
Chicken cordon bleu comes with a rich sauce on top. This sauce resembles a gravy, but also contains tangy and spicy flavors thanks to the Dijon mustard in it. Most times, the sauce contains butter, flour, milk, Dijon mustard, and cheese.
While chicken cordon bleu may not be served the same everywhere, the basic steps are always the same. You can find healthier variations as well as denser variations, like ones made with bacon.
Nutrition Facts
One roll of chicken cordon bleu (229 g) has the following nutritional content (*):
- 481 calories
- 131 g water
- 51.8 g protein
- 20.9 g fat
- 21.2 g carbohydrate
- 1.37 g fiber
- 1.44 g sugar
- 222 mg calcium
- 2.52 mg iron
- 57.2 mg magnesium
- 561 mg phosphorus
- 582 mg potassium
- 1390 mg sodium
- 54.7 µg selenium
- 4.12 mg vitamin C
- 114 µg vitamin A
- 190 mg cholesterol
Chicken cordon bleu is not an easy dish to make, as it takes time and dedication. It is worth it, as it can be delicious and filling. However, because it contains cheese and ham, it is high in sodium and relatively high in fat.
Making this dish at home where you can choose low-sodium options can make it healthier.
Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Below are some options for side dishes that you can eat with chicken cordon bleu at any time!
#1. Roasted Garlic and Parmesan Broccoli
This simple side dish can take your chicken cordon bleu to another level. Making this recipe will take minutes, but it pays off in terms of flavor and texture. Feel free to add more ingredients if you want to make it more elaborate.
Ingredients:
- 1 head broccoli, torn into smaller pieces
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon parsley
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted garlic and Parmesan broccoli:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash your broccoli head, and chop it into smaller pieces.
- Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Place the broccoli pieces, and pour the minced garlic on top.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lemon juice, and toss.
- Roast your broccoli for 15 to 20 minutes or until the broccoli is tender.
- Serve warm with shaved Parmesan and parsley.
#2. Whipped Mashed Potatoes with Scallions
These whipped mashed potatoes are a great addition to your chicken cordon bleu because they are delicate and soft. The addition of scallions adds a bit of aroma and flavor that is always good in your side dishes.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 Russet potatoes
- 1 ⅓ cup milk, hot
- 1 ½ sticks butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon scallions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your whipped mashed potatoes with scallions:
- Peel your potatoes and chop them into halves. Add them to a pot with water and salt, and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes or until they are soft.
- Drain the cooked potatoes and transfer them to a bowl.
- Use your whisk or hand mixer to whip your potatoes for about 30 seconds. Add the hot milk slowly until the potatoes are the right texture.
- Add the butter and garlic powder. Continue whipping the potatoes for a few more seconds.
- Finish off by adding salt and pepper, and whip one more time.
- Serve your mashed potatoes warm and with scallions on top.
#3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Brussels sprouts are a classic side dish, particularly when it comes to poultry recipes. In this case, the balsamic glaze is sweet and tangy, perfect for breaking through the chicken cordon bleu sauce.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar glaze
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash, trim and cut your Brussels sprouts in halves.
- Line a baking sheet with tin foil. Arrange your Brussels sprout on it and drizzle the olive oil on top. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Roast your Brussels sprouts for about 25 minutes until they are tender.
- Toss your sprouts in a bowl with balsamic glaze and red pepper flakes.
- Serve warm next to your chicken cordon bleu.
#4. Risotto with Mushrooms and Peas
When you prepare chicken cordon bleu, you also want to serve it with an equally gourmet side dish. Risotto is always a good choice, and adding mushrooms and peas can make it more nutritious and tasty.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ½ cup arborio rice
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cup peas
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your risotto with mushrooms and peas:
- In a large saucepan, bring your broth to a simmer.
- Meanwhile, in a skillet, heat the oil and add garlic, onion, and mushrooms.
- Add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the arborio rice. Allow for it to cook for a couple of minutes.
- Continue adding more broth slowly, for about 15 more minutes.
- Add the peas and the remaining stock. Continue cooking for another 15 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Finish cooking by adding parsley, oregano, and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm next to chicken cordon bleu.
#5. Spinach and Green Apple Salad
This spinach and green apple salad is a fresh and easy side dish that you can always count on. Within a few minutes, you will have a salad worth trying, particularly when it comes to complementing your complex chicken cordon bleu meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 granny smith apple
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup crushed pecans
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your spinach and green apple salad:
- In a bowl, mix the olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, and continue mixing.
- Add the spinach and toss so that it is coated with the dressing.
- Wash and core the apple. Cut it into squares.
- Add the apple squares and walnuts to the spinach bowl. Toss everything.
- Serve your salad fresh, and keep it for a day in the refrigerator if needed.
#6. Orzo with Lemon and Parsley
Orzo is a special type of pasta, and not only is it smaller and thinner, but it is also similar to rice. In this case, it is the perfect side dish to accompany your chicken cordon bleu without overpowering any of the flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cup orzo pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your orzo with lemon and parsley:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the orzo with some salt, and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the orzo and reserve some of the cooking water.
- Return the orzo to the pot. Stir in olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything well.
- Serve your orzo warm next to the chicken cordon bleu.
#7. Roasted Carrots and Parsnips
Broccoli is never a bad idea, particularly when it comes to making a meal a little healthier and more filling. You can add or swap some of the ingredients to make this salad a bit different too.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb carrots
- 1 lb parsnips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon fresh mint
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Follow these steps to prepare your roasted carrots and parsnips:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Wash your vegetables. Peel the parsnips and leave the carrots unpeeled. Cut both lengthwise into slices.
- Place the carrots and parsnips on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss everything.
- Roast your carrots and parsnips for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle with parsley and mint.
- Serve warm with chicken cordon bleu.
How Can I Pick The Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Sides?
Chicken cordon bleu is a fantastic dish that takes patience and dedication, but that will leave everyone wanting more. Serving it with the right side dish will make the meal even more decadent. Choose your recipes wisely and enjoy your chicken cordon bleu at any time.
When you serve your chicken cordon bleu for lunch, you can choose a fresh side dish and light. The spinach and green apple salad is an easy recipe to make and will always turn out tasty. You could also try the orzo with lemon and parsley, which is flavorful without being too heavy.
If the chicken cordon bleu is part of a dinner date, then a more delicate side dish is the right way to go. Try the whipped mashed potatoes with scallions that will leave everyone wanting more. Another great choice is the roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze that can add density and texture to your chicken cordon bleu.
On the other hand, if you want to serve a filling side dish along with your chicken there are a few options to try. Go with the roasted garlic and Parmesan broccoli or the roasted carrots and parsnips, which are healthy and tasty. The risotto with mushrooms and peas is a great side dish for any occasion.
Conclusion
Preparing chicken cordon bleu is always a fun challenge that is also delicate and delicious. The recipes in this list of sides for chicken cordon bleu are what you have always looked for. You can also enjoy one, two, or even three of these dishes together.
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*image by bhofack2/depositphotos
