Are you planning to make chicken cordon bleu for dinner but scratching your head about what side dishes would complement this delicious main course? You’re in the right place! Today, I’m sharing my favorite sides that pair perfectly with this classic dish.
Chicken cordon bleu is already a showstopper on its own – tender chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs. But the right side dish can elevate your meal from great to absolutely unforgettable!
What Exactly is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before diving into the sides, let’s quickly talk about what chicken cordon bleu actually is. Despite its French-sounding name, this dish actually originated in Switzerland! It’s a variation of schnitzel where chicken breast is pounded thin, layered with ham and cheese (traditionally Swiss cheese), rolled up, coated in breadcrumbs, and then fried or baked to crispy perfection.
The name “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French, which was historically awarded to knights of the highest order In the culinary world, this term came to represent food prepared to the highest standard – and this dish definitely lives up to the name!
Potato Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken cordon bleu offering comforting starchiness that balances the rich crispy main course.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Nothing complements the crispy exterior of chicken cordon bleu quite like a smooth, creamy serving of mashed potatoes. They’re probably the most traditional side for this dish, and for good reason!
Quick Recipe: Peel and chop potatoes, boil until fork-tender, then mash with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. For extra flavor, add some roasted garlic or Parmesan cheese.
2. Crispy Roasted Potatoes
If you prefer something with more texture contrast, roasted potatoes are the way to go.
3. Fondant Potatoes
For something a bit fancier, try fondant potatoes. These elegant spuds have a creamy interior and crunchy exterior that works beautifully with chicken cordon bleu.
4. Potatoes au Gratin
Layers of thinly sliced potatoes with cheese and cream? Yes please! This indulgent side pairs wonderfully with chicken cordon bleu for special occasions.
5. Sweet Potato Fries
For a twist on the traditional, try some sweet potato fries! The slight sweetness provides a nice contrast to the savory chicken cordon bleu.
Pasta and Rice Sides
Starchy sides like pasta and rice help balance the richness of chicken cordon bleu and make the meal more filling.
6. Garlic Butter Rice
Simple yet delicious, garlic butter rice offers a mild flavor that won’t compete with your main dish while still being utterly delicious.
7. Parmesan Garlic Butter Pasta
This one-pot side dish is creamy and garlicky, playing nicely off the cheese in the chicken cordon bleu. The best part? It’s super easy to make!
8. Lemon Dill Rice
The bright flavors of lemon and dill make this rice dish a refreshing counterpoint to chicken cordon bleu.
9. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Risotto
Risotto might seem fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make! This creamy, cheesy version pairs beautifully with chicken cordon bleu for an elegant meal.
10. Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Who says you can’t pair chicken cordon bleu with another cheesy dish? This comfort food classic makes for an indulgent meal that everyone will love.
Vegetable Side Dishes
Vegetables help balance out the richness of chicken cordon bleu and add color to your plate.
11. Steamed Broccoli
Simple steamed broccoli is a classic pairing that adds nutrition and color to your plate.
12. Roasted Green Beans
Green beans roasted with butter and oil until tender-crisp make for a delicious side that’s easy to prepare.
13. Glazed Carrots
Sweet glazed carrots offer a nice contrast to the savory chicken cordon bleu.
14. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Don’t fear Brussels sprouts! When roasted properly, they’re creamy, earthy, and slightly sweet – perfect with chicken cordon bleu.
My Quick Recipe: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
15. Asparagus in Lemon Butter Sauce
Asparagus provides a nice crunch and the lemon butter sauce adds brightness to cut through the richness of the chicken.
Fresh and Colorful Salads
A fresh salad helps balance the richness of chicken cordon bleu and adds a pop of color to your plate.
16. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with its creamy dressing and crunchy romaine is always a crowd-pleaser.
17. Tomato Basil Salad
Fresh tomatoes and basil dressed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette make for a refreshing side dish.
18. Apple Salad
The crispness and sweetness of apples add an exciting dimension to your meal.
19. Spring Mix with Pears
A light salad with spring mix, pears, pomegranate seeds, and nuts provides freshness and beautiful colors.
20. Kale and Fennel Salad
For something a bit more unique, try this kale and fennel salad with almonds and cranberries for a variety of textures and flavors.
Bread and Unique Sides
Sometimes you want something a little different to serve alongside chicken cordon bleu.
21. Homemade Italian Bread
Fresh, warm bread is always a welcome addition to any meal.
22. Buttermilk Biscuits
Soft, fluffy biscuits with honey butter make for a delicious side.
23. Fried Polenta Chips
For something unique, try these crispy, cheesy polenta chips.
24. Zucchini Fries
A healthier alternative to traditional french fries, these baked zucchini fries offer crunch without all the grease.
25. Boursin Cheese Zucchini Boats
These cheesy zucchini boats make for an impressive and delicious side dish.
Sauces to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu
While not exactly side dishes, these sauces can take your chicken cordon bleu to the next level:
Dijon Sauce
A simple Dijon sauce is the perfect accompaniment to chicken cordon bleu. The tangy, creamy sauce complements the flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese perfectly.
Quick Recipe: Melt butter in a pan, add flour to create a roux, then whisk in milk until thickened. Season with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Tips for Creating a Balanced Meal
When planning your chicken cordon bleu dinner, I like to follow these guidelines:
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Consider textures – Pair crispy chicken cordon bleu with something creamy (like mashed potatoes) or fresh and crunchy (like a salad).
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Balance richness – Since chicken cordon bleu is quite rich, consider adding something light and fresh to the meal.
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Mind your cooking space – Choose sides that can be prepared using different methods than your main dish. If you’re baking your chicken cordon bleu, opt for stovetop sides to free up oven space.
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Color your plate – Add vegetables or salads with bright colors to make your meal visually appealing.
My Personal Favorite Combinations
I’ve tried many different sides with chicken cordon bleu over the years, and these are my favorite combinations:
- Chicken cordon bleu + creamy mashed potatoes + roasted asparagus
- Chicken cordon bleu + garlic butter rice + Caesar salad
- Chicken cordon bleu + roasted Brussels sprouts + fresh bread
Final Thoughts
Chicken cordon bleu is such a versatile main dish that it pairs well with countless sides. Whether you prefer something starchy, a fresh vegetable, or a light salad, there’s an option that will complement your meal perfectly.
The next time you’re making this delicious entrée, try one (or more!) of these sides to create a meal that’s sure to impress. The best part is that many of these sides are simple to prepare, allowing you to focus on getting your chicken cordon bleu just right.
What’s your favorite side dish to serve with chicken cordon bleu? I’d love to hear about your go-to pairings in the comments below!
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FAQ
What is a good side for chicken cordon bleu?
Good sides for Chicken Cordon Bleu include classic starches like creamy mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or scalloped potatoes, and fresh vegetables such as steamed or roasted green beans, asparagus, and broccoli. A fresh green salad or a lighter soup also provides a nice contrast to the dish’s richness, while richer sides like broccoli-cheese casserole or a Caesar salad can also be paired for a more indulgent meal.