Have you ever craved a delicious chicken cordon bleu but felt overwhelmed by the thought of making it at home? You’re not alone! Many people shy away from this classic dish, thinking it’s too complicated. But what if I told you that you can whip up this gourmet meal right in your Ninja Foodi Grill with ease?
Key Takeaways
- Ingredients Matter: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thin deli ham, and Swiss cheese for the best chicken cordon bleu in your Ninja Foodi Grill.
- Proper Preparation: Pound the chicken to an even thickness, season, and layer ham and cheese before rolling and dredging in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Cooking Guidelines: Preheat the Ninja Foodi Grill to 375°F and cook the chicken rolls for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Always verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your dish with sides like garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a refreshing Caesar salad to enhance the dining experience.
- Presentation Tips: Make your meal visually appealing by garnishing with fresh herbs and drizzling a light sauce for added flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Cooking chicken cordon bleu in a Ninja Foodi Grill requires specific ingredients for the best results. Gather these essential components to create a delicious dish.
Chicken Breast
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Aim for 4 pieces, each about 6 ounces. This ensures even cooking and makes wrapping easier.
Ham and Cheese
- Ham: Opt for thinly sliced deli ham. Use 4 slices for layering within the chicken.
- Cheese: Choose Swiss cheese. You’ll need 4 slices to complement the ham and provide a creamy texture.
- Flour: Grab all-purpose flour, about 1 cup, for the initial coating.
- Eggs: Use 2 large eggs, beaten, for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose seasoned breadcrumbs. You’ll need about 1 cup for a crispy finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste. This enhances overall flavor.
Collect all these ingredients before you start cooking, ensuring a smooth and efficient preparation process.
Preparation Steps
Preparing chicken cordon bleu is straightforward with the right steps. Follow these instructions for a delicious meal using your Ninja Foodi Grill.
Preparing the Chicken
- Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken. This enhances the flavor.
- Lay the Fillings: On one side of each chicken breast, layer a slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Ensure the cheese covers the ham.
- Roll the Chicken: Starting from the side with the ham and cheese, roll the chicken breast tightly. Secure with toothpicks or butcher twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Dredge the Chicken: Dip each rolled chicken breast into flour, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Prepare for the Grill: Set your Ninja Foodi Grill to the appropriate setting for cooking, typically medium to high heat. Lightly spray the grill basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Following these steps ensures a perfectly prepared chicken cordon bleu that’s ready for cooking in your Ninja Foodi Grill.
Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious chicken cordon bleu in your Ninja Foodi Grill.
Setting Up the Ninja Foodi Grill
Ensure the Ninja Foodi Grill is cleaned and ready for use. Plug it in and set it to the ‘Air Crisp’ function. Preheat the grill to 375°F for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the grill basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. This step helps achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior on your chicken while keeping it juicy inside.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Once the grill preheats, place the prepared chicken rolls in the basket in a single layer. Cook the chicken for 15-20 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through, ensuring even cooking and browning. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption. Adjust cooking time as needed based on your grill’s performance.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken cordon bleu with sides that complement its rich flavors. Enjoying the dish with the right accompaniments enhances your dining experience.
Side Dishes
Consider serving chicken cordon bleu alongside these popular side dishes:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes with a hint of garlic provide a comforting balance.
- Steamed Green Beans: Fresh green beans add a pop of color and crunch to your plate.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these sprouts offer a delightful, slightly crispy texture.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing brings a refreshing contrast to the dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds a healthy twist.
Choose any combination of these sides to create a complete meal.
Presentation Tips
Make your dish visually appealing with these presentation tips:
- Plate in Layers: Place the sliced chicken cordon bleu on top of your chosen side.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme around the plate for a pop of color.
- Sauce: Drizzle a light sauce, such as a lemon-butter or herb sauce, over the chicken for added flavor and elegance.
- Use a White Plate: A plain white plate showcases the colors and textures of your food nicely.
By following these serving suggestions and presentation tips, you’ll create an impressive meal that’s not just delicious but also visually stunning.
Conclusion
You’ve got everything you need to whip up a delicious chicken cordon bleu with your Ninja Foodi Grill. This dish is not only impressive but also surprisingly simple to make. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps you can serve a gourmet meal right at home.
Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides to make it even more special. Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy filling knowing you’ve created something fantastic. So go ahead and give it a try—you might just find it becomes a regular on your dinner menu!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken cordon bleu?
Chicken cordon bleu is a gourmet dish made of chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and cooked until golden brown. It’s known for its delicious flavor and impressive presentation, making it a popular choice for special occasions.
Can I make chicken cordon bleu in a Ninja Foodi Grill?
Yes, you can easily make chicken cordon bleu in a Ninja Foodi Grill. The grill’s air crisp function allows you to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside, simplifying the cooking process.
What ingredients do I need for chicken cordon bleu?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced deli ham, Swiss cheese, all-purpose flour, beaten eggs, seasoned breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Having all the ingredients ready before starting will make preparation smoother.
How do I prepare the chicken for cooking?
To prepare the chicken, pound the breasts to an even thickness, season with salt and pepper, layer ham and Swiss cheese, roll the chicken tightly, and secure with toothpicks or butcher twine. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs before cooking.
What cooking instructions should I follow?
Preheat your Ninja Foodi Grill to 375°F using the air crisp function. Lightly spray the grill basket with cooking oil, place the chicken rolls in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What side dishes pair well with chicken cordon bleu?
Great side dishes include garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, Caesar salad, and quinoa salad. These options complement the flavor of the chicken and enhance the overall dining experience.
How can I present chicken cordon bleu nicely?
For an appealing presentation, serve the chicken in layers, garnish with fresh herbs, drizzle a light sauce over it, and use a white plate to showcase the colors and textures. This makes the dish visually stunning and appetizing.
