Definition

Noun A dish consisting of a chicken breast that is pounded thin, stuffed with slices of ham and cheese (typically Swiss or Gruyère), then breaded and pan-fried, baked, or deep-fried.

Usage

The term "chicken cordon bleu" is used as a singular noun to refer to the prepared dish as a whole, either as a single serving or the dish in general. It is typically not used in a plural form ("chicken cordons bleu" is rare); instead, one might say "pieces of chicken cordon bleu" or "two orders of chicken cordon bleu."

Examples

• For our anniversary dinner, I prepared chicken cordon bleu with a white wine sauce.
• The restaurant's signature dish is their chicken cordon bleu, which is served with roasted potatoes.
• Would you like the grilled salmon or the chicken cordon bleu?

Advanced Usage

• The name is an adaptation of the French term (meaning "blue ribbon"), historically associated with high culinary skill. The dish is a simplified, modern version of the more complex French .
• While traditionally made with chicken, variations exist using veal (veal cordon bleu) or pork.

Variants and Related Words

• Cordon bleu: (Noun) Can refer to a chef of the highest skill or, in a culinary context, to dishes prepared in a similar stuffed and breaded style.
• Chicken Kiev: (Noun) A different stuffed chicken dish, typically filled with herb butter.

Synonyms

• Stuffed chicken breast (this is a descriptive synonym, not a specific name for the dish)
• Chicken cordon bleu has no direct, commonly used one-word synonym as it is the specific name of the dish.

Related Phrases

• To make/prepare/cook chicken cordon bleu: The standard verbs used with the dish.
• Stuffed and breaded chicken: A descriptive phrase for the cooking technique.

Notes on Meaning

The definition refers specifically to the complete, prepared food item. It does not refer to the individual ingredients (chicken, ham, cheese) separately, nor to a cooking school or award (which is the domain of the term "cordon bleu" alone).

Noun

1. thin slices of chicken stuffed with cheese and ham and then sauteed