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Chicken Cordon Bleu. Whoever came up with combining chicken, ham, and cheese is pure genius. This scrumptious dish gives you tender chicken, sweet ham, and milky Mozzarella cheese rolled together, coated in crisp breadcrumbs, and deep-fried into perfection! The result is a glorious symphony of flavors and textures that I just can’t get enough of.
And you know what’s even better than Chicken Cordon Bleu? Chicken Cordon Bleu with sides!
Not sure what sides go well with this delectable dish? Well, today I’m bringing you a list of delicacies ranging from sauces to salads and roasted veggies. Keep scrolling to find the best side dishes to serve with your chicken.
1. Dijon Sauce
Anything deep-fried yearns for a thick sauce, and Chicken Cordon Bleu is no exception. I love topping it with a simple Dijon that’s ready in seconds! Here’s how to make it: Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add flour and mix until lumpy. Add milk and whisk until you get a thick mixture (called a roux). Flavor with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
2. Garlic Butter Rice
Chicken Cordon Bleu is all about protein and fat, so you’ll want something starchy to counterbalance the richness. And when it comes to starch, you can’t go wrong with a simple serving of steamed white rice. Rice has a very mild flavor, which is the perfect contrast to the umami-ness of the main dish. Plus it’s super filling so it’s an awesome way to round out your meal. If you feel like steamed rice is a little too boring, you can easily kick things up a notch by sauteing it with garlic and butter. Those two ingredients will make your rice a lot more flavorful, but not too much to overpower the goodness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
3. Fresh Salad
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Salad is always a fantastic side dish to any rich entrée, and Cordon Bleu is no exception. There’s nothing like a combination of fresh vegetables and fruits and tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu. And since salad is healthy, it will make you feel less guilty about eating something deep-fried and fatty. Both dishes have a nice crunch, too, making them an excellent pair.
4. Broccoli or Broccolini
Here’s another refreshing dish that will not only add nutrition to your meal but a pop of color too. Broccoli has mild flavors that will balance out the umami-ness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu nicely. This dish also tastes even better when topped with some of that Dijon sauce, so try to make an extra batch of that. You can also use broccolini as an alternative. Aside from steaming, you could also grill your broccoli/broccolini. This method will add even more flavor to these cruciferous vegetables. All you need is a good cooking oil and some salt. Roasting your veggies adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor that can only be reached after a bit of caramelization. This cooking method also gives your veggies some delightfully crispy edges.
5. Asparagus in Lemon Butter Sauce
Another nutritious dish that gives your meal a nice crunch is asparagus. This veggie is a bit bland, so give it a ton of flavor by drenching it in a lemon butter. The combination of lemon and butter is just utter perfection.
6. Balsamic-Glazed Green Beans
Green beans give your Chicken Cordon Bleu a contrast in color and texture. While the chicken, ham, and cheese are all tender, green beans are all about the crunch! As for the flavor, you can elevate the simple green beans by coating them in a balsamic dressing. To prepare, sauté onions in butter. Mix in vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens. Add cooked green beans and coat for two minutes.
7. Whipped Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
A big serving of mashed potatoes is the quintessential side dish. Because it’s creamy, filling, and oh so tasty, no one can say no to this irresistible dish. And while the traditional kind is already so decadent, you can never go wrong with roasted garlic!
8. Roasted Carrots
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Cordon Bleu is already packed with umami flavors, so you’ll want to pair it with something a little milder. So how about some carrots? Whether you use regular or baby carrots, you can’t go wrong. Carrots provide the perfect contrast to Chicken Cordon Bleu, flavor-wise, texture-wise, and nutrition-wise. What’s not to like? And with carrots, there’s no better way to prepare them than by roasting. It caramelizes the cruciferous veggie, bringing out its natural sweetness. Yum!
9. Zucchini Fries
French fries are fantastic, but you don’t want another deep-fried dish to pair your Chicken Cordon Bleu with. So if you still want that feeling of eating fries, but don’t want the extra calories and grease, make zucchini fries instead. They’re delicious, nutritious, and easy to make! All you need is to slice up some zucchini, coat them in batter, and pop them in the oven.
10. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Just like carrots, Brussels sprouts taste amazing when roasted. Yes, I know, it’s not the most beloved vegetable out there. Years of poor preparation have ruined its reputation, but that’s not its fault, is it? Give these sprouts a chance because not only are they insanely good for the body, but they taste good too when cooked correctly. Believe it or not, if you roast Brussels sprouts the right way, they taste creamy, earthy, and sweet. So good, especially when paired with Chicken Cordon Bleu! To prepare, coat them with olive oil and top with parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, and bake until tender.
11. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked sweet potatoes always make an excellent side dish, no matter what the entrée is. They have subtle and sweet flavors that give a wonderful contrast to the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Plus, they’re so easy to prepare. You literally just pop them in the oven! Top with butter for even more flavor.
12. Risotto with Mushrooms
You want something hearty and yummy to pair with your Chicken Cordon Bleu to satiate your hunger. A rich risotto fits the bill perfectly. And if you infuse it with mushrooms, then you’ve got yourself an earthy and creamy dish that tastes amazing with Chicken Cordon Bleu. Both dishes are so elegant, it’s the perfect meal for a special occasion. If you want your risotto to be even more luxurious, garnish it with shaved truffles. Oh boy!
So, now you have a fantastic list of incredible side dishes to serve with your Chicken Cordon Bleu. Mix and match, try different combinations, and discover the perfect pairing that satisfies your taste buds. Enjoy the delicious journey!
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Nigel Gildon editor:Nigel Gildon is the editor of Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou: Chef Wayne’s Big Mamou. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years and has a passion for helping new authors get their work into the hands of readers. 63 Liberty Street * Springfield, MA 01003
