What To Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu: 40 Ideas

Chicken Cordon Bleu, with its irresistible combination of a crispy breadcrumb coating, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, is a classic dish that manages to be both elegant and comforting. However, what truly elevates this already delightful meal is the perfect selection of side dishes. Finding ideal accompaniments can transform your dining experience from merely good to absolutely unforgettable. If you’ve ever found yourself pondering, “What should I serve with chicken cordon bleu?” you’ve come to exactly the right place! This comprehensive guide will explore 45 fantastic side dish options, ensuring you have all the inspiration you need to create a memorable and balanced meal.

Veggies: Fresh and Flavorful Companions

1. Roasted Asparagus: For example, simply toss asparagus spears with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of fresh pepper, then roast them in the oven until they’re tender-crisp.
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with fragrant garlic and rich butter are a simple yet undeniably elegant side.
3. Honey Glazed Carrots: Roasted or sautéed carrots that are glazed with honey offer a touch of sweetness that pairs exceptionally well with the savory elements of the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
4. Steamed Broccoli with Lemon: Steaming broccoli florets and finishing them with a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a touch of salt is not only a healthy option but also a quick and convenient one.
5. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: This classic side dish is packed with nutrients and is incredibly simple to prepare. Wilted spinach with garlic provides a simple yet satisfying earthy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken.

Air Fryer Veggies: Quick, Crispy, and Convenient

1. Air Fryer Roasted Broccoli: Simply toss broccoli florets with a bit of olive oil, a dash of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Air fry until they’re tender-crisp and slightly charred, which typically takes less than 10 minutes.
2. Air Fryer Asparagus: A super simple air fryer method for achieving perfectly cooked asparagus every single time. Toss the spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry until tender.
3. Air Fryer Baby Carrots: A touch of maple syrup or honey elevates these roasted baby carrots, making them a delicious and slightly sweet side. Also, you can add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
4. Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts: Similarly, you can achieve the same results as the oven-roasted version, but much faster. Air frying is ideal for a quick, crispy side dish when you’re short on time.
5. Air Fryer Zucchini: Toss zucchini slices or sticks with olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a quick and healthy side. Additionally, you can add a touch of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
6. Air Fryer Green Beans: Crispy and flavorful green beans, cooked in the air fryer with just a touch of seasoning, are a fantastic way to enjoy this vegetable. For example, try using garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
7. Air Fryer Cherry Tomatoes: Burst tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and juiciness to your meal. Simply roast them until they’re soft, and sprinkle with salt for a simple yet flavorful side.
8. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular French fries, air fryer sweet potato fries, with a dusting of cinnamon or paprika, offer a delicious combination of sweet and savory.

Potatoes & Rice: Hearty and Satisfying

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery, and garlicky mashed potatoes are a perfect accompaniment to practically any dish. Because they’re so versatile, they provide a wonderful blank canvas for other flavors to shine.
2. Roasted Garlic Potatoes: Roasting potatoes with whole garlic cloves brings out their natural sweetness and creates a delightful caramelized crust. The roasted garlic adds a subtle, mellow flavor that’s incredibly satisfying.
3. Scalloped Potatoes: Thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich and creamy sauce – this decadent and comforting classic is sure to impress your dinner guests.
4. Baked Potato with Toppings: Offer a baked potato bar with a variety of toppings, including butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, and even a bit of chili. This lets everyone customize their potato to their own preferences.
5. Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice dish, often cooked with broth, sautéed onions, herbs, and spices, it’s a great way to add a touch of sophistication to your meal.
6. Wild Rice with Cranberries and Pecans: The nutty flavor of wild rice pairs especially well with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the satisfying crunch of pecans.
7. Risotto: This creamy Italian rice dish can be flavored with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs. For example, a simple mushroom risotto would pair beautifully with the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
8. Lemon Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs adds a bright and refreshing touch to the meal, effectively cutting through the richness of the chicken.
9. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes: Roasted with garlic and a medley of herbs, these potatoes offer a rustic and wonderfully flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
10. Cheesy Potato Gratin: A rich and cheesy potato dish, ideal for a special occasion or when you’re simply looking to indulge in a little extra comfort.

Salads: Light and Refreshing

A fresh salad is a fantastic way to bring balance to the richness of Chicken Cordon Bleu, providing a crisp, cool contrast and adding a dose of essential vitamins. Also, a well-made salad can add exciting textures and flavors to your meal.

1. Classic Caesar Salad: Romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and a creamy Caesar dressing create a crowd-pleasing side that is familiar and satisfying.
2. Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A simple salad of mixed greens, tossed with your favorite light and tangy vinaigrette, is always a good choice. Add colorful elements like sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and shredded carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
3. Caprese Salad: Slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves, drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, are a classic combination that’s hard to resist.
4. Cucumber and Dill Salad: A light and wonderfully refreshing salad, particularly perfect for spring and summer, with a simple dressing of vinegar, oil, and dill.
5. Strawberry Spinach Salad: A sweet and savory salad with fresh, juicy strawberries, baby spinach, salty feta cheese, and candied pecans. The combination of flavors and textures makes for an exciting side.
6. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: Peppery arugula, dressed with a bright lemon vinaigrette, is a sophisticated and light option. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for added texture.
7. Waldorf Salad: A classic combination of crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts, bound together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing, offers a balance of sweet and savory.
8. Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: A nutritious and satisfying salad with quinoa, roasted vegetables, and a light vinaigrette. For example, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion would be great choices.

Pasta: Comforting and Hearty

If you’re looking to add a heartier side dish, pasta is always a great option. It’s undeniably comforting, wonderfully versatile, and pairs beautifully with the rich, savory flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu.

1. Lemon Garlic Pasta: A light and flavorful pasta dish made with lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil. Additionally, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
2. Alfredo Pasta: A creamy and classic pasta dish that pairs exceptionally well with the savory flavors of the chicken, adding a layer of rich, comforting flavor to the meal.
3. Pesto Pasta: Fresh pesto with your choice of pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish. Since pesto is made with basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan cheese, it offers a bright herbaceous flavor to the meal.
4. Pasta Salad with Italian Dressing: Cooked pasta tossed with colorful vegetables, cubed cheese, and a tangy Italian dressing is a great option, especially if you want something that can be made ahead of time.
5. Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food that’s almost always a crowd-pleaser, especially with children. A cheesy mac and cheese is a hearty addition to any meal.
6. Garlic Parmesan Angel Hair Pasta: Light and delicate angel hair pasta, simply dressed with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil is a wonderful addition to any meal.

Dessert: A Sweet Ending

While not technically a side dish, a sweet treat after your meal is the perfect way to complete your dining experience. Therefore, consider these sweet options to round out your meal.

1. Lemon Bars: Tart and sweet, lemon bars offer a refreshing palate cleanser after a rich meal. These bars are both zesty and satisfying, and great for a dessert that isn’t too heavy.
2. Chocolate Lava Cakes: A decadent dessert with a molten chocolate center, perfect for a special occasion or when you’re looking for an indulgent treat.
3. Fresh Fruit Salad: For a lighter option, consider a fresh fruit salad. A mix of seasonal fruits is a simple, healthy, and refreshing ending to your meal.

Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

While we’ve primarily focused on the side dishes, here’s a quick guide on making a simpler, quicker air fryer version of Chicken Cordon Bleu if you’re looking for a faster alternative to pan frying.

Equipment

• Air Fryer
• Cutting Board
• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin
• Shallow Dishes for Breading

Ingredients 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound each breast to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Assemble: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly and secure with a toothpick, if necessary.
3. Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then in the beaten egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
5. Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
6. Cook: Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
7. Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.

Notes

• Of course, you can use different types of cheese or ham, depending on your personal preferences.
• For a crispier crust, you can lightly spray the breaded chicken with additional cooking spray before air frying.
• Be sure to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Toothpicks should be removed before serving.

Nutrition

(Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Approximate values for one serving are provided as a general estimate):

• Calories: 350-450
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 30-40g

For more insights, check out detailed guide on Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Conclusion:

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a truly fantastic meal that can be further elevated with the right selection of side dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh, vibrant veggies, hearty potatoes and rice, a crisp and light salad, or a comforting pasta dish, this list of 45 side dish ideas offers a wide range of delicious options to suit any taste and occasion. Even though there are many choices, you can mix and match and find your perfect combination. Enjoy exploring these culinary pairings and crafting a meal that’s sure to impress and leave everyone feeling satisfied!