Pizza Cordon Bleu Recipe

This cordon bleu pizza recipe is a delightful fusion of classic chicken cordon bleu and Italian pizza. It's a delicious dish that offers a unique combination of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, creamy melted cheese, and savory pepperoni all come together beautifully in this appealing meal.

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely to be easily found in your average kitchen. Chicken breasts, spices, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni are all commonly used items. However, you might need to pick up some Italian bread crumbs and marinara sauce from the supermarket, if not readily available at home.

Ingredients for Cordon Bleu Pizza

Chicken breasts: The main protein source, providing a nice, tender texture.

Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the chicken.

Red pepper flakes: Adds a bit of heat to the dish.

Garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.

Dried oregano: Provides an Italian flavor profile.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture.

Pepperoni: Adds a savory, slightly spicy touch.

Canola oil: Used for frying the chicken.

All purpose flour: Used for coating the chicken before frying.

Large eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the bread crumbs.

Italian bread crumbs: Gives the chicken a crispy exterior.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor.

Marinara sauce: Used for serving; a tangy, flavorful accompaniment.

One reader, Lars Clifford says:

This cordon bleu pizza recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The crispy chicken, gooey cheese, and savory pepperoni make for a mouthwatering experience. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a unique twist on classic pizza. I highly recommend it!

Lars Clifford

Techniques Required

How to pound chicken breasts: Place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch (1-centimeter) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.

How to roll chicken: Starting from a short end, evenly roll up the chicken, tucking the cheese and pepperoni inside, then wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the chicken roll. Tie the excess plastic to secure.

How to coat chicken rolls: Unwrap the chicken rolls and coat in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumb mixture.

How to fry chicken rolls: Fry the chicken rolls in the hot oil for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If a good color is achieved but the chicken is not cooked through, transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and finish the chicken in the oven at 325°F (170°C) until the proper temperature is reached.

How to serve: Slice the chicken rolls into medallions, then serve with the warm marinara sauce alongside.

How To Make Pizza Cordon Bleu

Classic pizza toppings like pepperoni and cheese serve as fillings for this unique take on chicken cordon bleu. It’s cheesy, crispy, and oh so delicious.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

4chicken breasts
1tspkosher salt
½tspred pepper flakes
1tspgarlic powder
1tsponion powder
½tspdried oregano
8slicesmozzarella cheese
32slicespepperoni
2cupscanola oil
1cupall purpose flour
3large eggs,beaten
1cupItalian bread crumbs
½cupparmesan cheese,grated
1cupmarinara sauce,warmed

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts with the salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano, tossing to coat evenly.
On a cutting board, place a chicken breast between 2 sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ½-inch (1-centimeter) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.
Remove the plastic wrap and place 2 slices of mozzarella and 8 pepperoni slices on top of the chicken.
Starting from a short end, evenly roll up the chicken, tucking the cheese and pepperoni inside, then wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the chicken roll. Tie the excess plastic to secure.
Repeat with the remaining chicken, mozzarella, and pepperoni.
Chill the chicken rolls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large high-walled skillet, heat canola oil until it reaches 325 degrees F.
Add the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs to 3 separate shallow dishes. Add the Parmesan cheese to the bowl with the bread crumbs and stir to combine.
Unwrap the chicken rolls and coat in the flour, then the egg, then the bread crumb mixture.
Fry the chicken rolls in the hot oil for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
If a good color is achieved but the chicken is not cooked through, transfer to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and finish the chicken in the oven at 325 degrees F until the proper temperature is reached.
Slice the chicken rolls into medallions, then serve with the warm marinara sauce alongside.
Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 1906.35kcal
Fat: 157.11g
Saturated Fat: 28.56g
Trans Fat: 0.89g
Monounsaturated Fat: 85.67g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 36.92g
Carbohydrates: 51.71g
Fiber: 3.49g
Sugar: 6.35g
Protein: 71.50g
Cholesterol: 331.99mg
Sodium: 1578.09mg
Calcium: 666.07mg
Potassium: 854.17mg
Iron: 5.86mg
Vitamin A: 274.90µg
Vitamin C: 1.61mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Cordon Bleu Pizza

When pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, it's important to do so gently to avoid tearing the meat. Using a meat mallet is ideal, but if you don't have one, a rolling pin or even the bottom of a heavy pan can work. The key is to start from the middle and work your way out to the edges for an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly when fried, and also makes it easier to roll up with the mozzarella and pepperoni.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Cordon Bleu Pizza

Prep ahead: Prepare the chicken rolls in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry them. This will save time on the day you plan to serve the cordon bleu pizza.

Use store-bought marinara: Save time by using a high-quality store-bought marinara sauce instead of making it from scratch.

Organize your workspace: Set up a breading station with the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in close proximity to each other to streamline the coating process.

Invest in a meat mallet: Using a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts will help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time.

Multi-task: While the chicken rolls are chilling in the refrigerator, use that time to prepare any side dishes or set the table for your meal.

Pre-slice the medallions: After frying the chicken rolls, pre-slice them into medallions before serving to save time during plating.

Substitute Ingredients For Pizza Cordon Bleu Recipe

Chicken breasts - Substitute with thinly sliced turkey breast: Turkey breast can provide a similar texture and flavor to chicken, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
Mozzarella cheese - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a similar mild flavor and melts well, making it a good alternative to mozzarella in this recipe.
Pepperoni - Substitute with sliced salami: Sliced salami can provide a similar savory and slightly spicy flavor to pepperoni, adding a delicious twist to the pizza.
Canola oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe, as it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point suitable for frying.
Italian bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for Italian breadcrumbs, providing a crispy and light texture to the dish.
Marinara sauce - Substitute with tomato sauce mixed with Italian seasoning: A mixture of tomato sauce and Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute for marinara sauce, providing a similar flavor profile.

Best Way to Present This Dish

Elevate the plating: When presenting the Cordon Bleu Pizza, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Arrange the chicken medallions in a circular pattern, drizzle the marinara sauce artistically, and garnish with fresh herbs to add color and vibrancy to the dish.
Incorporate height and dimension: Create a sense of depth and dimension on the plate by stacking the chicken medallions on top of each other. This adds an element of elegance and sophistication to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out. Avoid overcrowding the plate and let the vibrant colors and textures of the Cordon Bleu Pizza take center stage.
Highlight the golden brown crust: Showcase the crispy, golden brown exterior of the chicken rolls by placing them on a clean, white plate. The contrast will emphasize the appetizing appearance of the dish.
Incorporate a touch of green: Introduce a pop of color by adding microgreens or herb-infused oil to the plate. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the flavors of the dish.
Use elegant serving ware: Select sophisticated and refined serving ware to present the Cordon Bleu Pizza. Opt for minimalist, high-quality plates and utensils to elevate the overall dining experience.

Essential Tools for Making Cordon Bleu Pizza

Measuring cups: These are essential for accurately measuring ingredients such as flour, sugar, and liquids in recipes.
Chef's knife: A versatile and essential tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing a wide variety of ingredients with precision.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and preparing ingredients, while also protecting your countertops and knives.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients, marinating, and mixing batters and doughs.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
Skillet: A versatile pan used for sautéing, frying, and searing a wide range of ingredients.
Meat mallet: Used for pounding and tenderizing meats, such as chicken breasts for the cordon bleu pizza recipe.
Wire rack: Allows air to circulate around food items, making it ideal for cooling baked goods or draining fried foods.
High-walled skillet: A deep skillet with high sides, ideal for frying and cooking dishes with a significant amount of liquid or oil.
Food thermometer: Essential for ensuring meats are cooked to a safe internal temperature, such as the chicken rolls in the cordon bleu pizza recipe.

How To Store and Freeze Cordon Bleu Pizza

To store leftovers, allow the chicken rolls to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cooled chicken rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Place the wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe container or bag, and label with the date. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
To reheat frozen chicken rolls, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated leftovers.
Alternatively, you can reheat frozen chicken rolls directly from the freezer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), remove the foil and plastic wrap, and place the rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
To maintain the best quality, avoid refreezing previously frozen and thawed chicken rolls.
Store any leftover marinara sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Reheat Leftovers

Here are the best methods for reheating leftover cordon bleu pizza recipe:

Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover cordon bleu pizza slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This method helps to restore the crispiness of the breading and ensures even heating throughout.
Air fryer method: If you have an air fryer, this is a quick and effective way to reheat your cordon bleu pizza. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the breading is crispy. The air fryer helps to maintain the texture of the dish while reheating it quickly.
Skillet method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover cordon bleu pizza slices to the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted. This method helps to crisp up the breading while keeping the chicken moist.
Microwave method (last resort): If you're in a hurry, you can reheat your cordon bleu pizza in the microwave, although this method may result in a softer texture. Place the leftover slices on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high power for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become tough and rubbery.

Random Fact about Cordon Bleu Pizza

The Cordon Bleu pizza recipe is a unique twist on the classic Cordon Bleu dish, combining the flavors of chicken, mozzarella, and pepperoni in a delicious pizza format. This recipe offers a creative way to enjoy the flavors of Cordon Bleu in a fun and shareable pizza form.

Is This Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?

The cordon bleu pizza recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of chicken breasts and mozzarella cheese can be affordable, while the pepperoni and parmesan cheese may add to the cost. The recipe's versatility and ability to serve a family of four make it a practical choice. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $25-$30. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10, considering its taste, presentation, and cost-effectiveness.

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

This recipe for cordon bleu pizza, while indulgent and flavorful, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High fat content: The recipe uses a significant amount of cheese, pepperoni, and canola oil for frying, which are all high in saturated fats.
Refined carbohydrates: The breading on the chicken and the pizza crust (if using) are made from refined flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients.
Sodium: The combination of cheese, pepperoni, and breading can result in a high sodium content.
Calorie-dense: Due to the frying process and the ingredients used, this dish is likely to be high in calories.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Instead of frying, try baking the chicken rolls in the oven. Brush them with a small amount of olive oil to achieve a crispy exterior.
Use whole wheat flour for the breading and opt for a whole wheat pizza crust to increase fiber intake.
Reduce the amount of cheese and pepperoni used, or choose low-fat cheese and turkey pepperoni as alternatives.
Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms, to increase nutrient density and fiber content.
Serve the cordon bleu pizza with a side salad to add more vegetables and balance out the meal.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy a healthier version of this tasty dish while still satisfying your cravings for a flavorful pizza-inspired meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Recipe

The cordon bleu pizza recipe is a delightful twist on the classic dish, combining the flavors of chicken cordon bleu with the beloved elements of a pizza. The process of rolling the chicken with mozzarella and pepperoni creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish. The use of seasonings and the frying technique adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. However, to enhance the dish, consider incorporating more traditional pizza elements such as a pizza dough base and additional pizza toppings. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious take on a beloved dish.

Enhance Your Pizza Cordon Bleu Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic, perfect for pairing with the savory cordon bleu pizza.

Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears lightly charred and seasoned, adding a fresh and healthy element to the indulgent cordon bleu pizza.

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mix of crisp greens, tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, providing a light and balanced accompaniment to the rich flavors of the cordon bleu pizza.

Delicious Alternatives to Cordon Bleu Pizza

Savory Beef Stew: This hearty beef stew is packed with tender chunks of beef, carrots, potatoes, and a flavorful broth. It's the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in.

Fresh Fruit Salad: This refreshing fruit salad is a colorful mix of seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and pineapple, tossed in a light and tangy dressing. It's a healthy and delicious side dish for any meal.

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Indulge in this creamy and flavorful mushroom risotto, made with arborio rice, mushrooms, onions, garlic, and a touch of parmesan cheese. It's a luxurious dish that's perfect for a special dinner at home.

Perfect Appetizers and Desserts for a Cordon Bleu Pizza Meal

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushroom caps with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate a classic appetizer by topping toasted baguette slices with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze. The combination of crunchy bread and vibrant toppings is sure to impress your guests.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in a decadent, warm chocolate lava cake that oozes with rich, molten chocolate when you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Tiramisu: Create a classic tiramisu with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone cheese, dusted with cocoa powder for a touch of bitterness. Serve it chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert.

Why trust this Pizza Cordon Bleu Recipe:

This recipe offers a classic twist on a beloved dish, combining the flavors of chicken, mozzarella cheese, and pepperoni in a delightful pizza form. The step-by-step instructions ensure a successful outcome, and the use of kosher salt, garlic powder, and onion powder guarantees a burst of savory flavors. The inclusion of marinara sauce adds a familiar touch, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on the Pizza Cordon Bleu Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

What is the best way to pound the chicken breasts to the right thickness?

I recommend placing the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or a heavy pan to pound it to about ½-inch thickness.

Can I bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the chicken rolls in the oven at 325°F (170°C) if you prefer not to fry them. Simply transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for mozzarella, you can certainly use other cheeses such as Swiss, provolone, or even cheddar to suit your taste preferences.

How can I ensure the chicken rolls are cooked through without overcooking them?

To ensure the chicken rolls are cooked through without overcooking, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), the chicken is ready.

Can I prepare the chicken rolls in advance and cook them later?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. Just make sure to remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for a bit before cooking.