History of Chicken Cordon Bleu — Julee Ho Media (2024)

The origin of chicken cordon bleu likely came from a dish called veal kiev, which came about in Paris circa the late 1840s. The dish called for veal dredged in breadcrumbs and fried. It was then adapted in Moscow where veal was swapped for chicken. In the states, veal cordon bleu made its first print appearance in 1955, whereas chicken cordon bleu didn’t follow for another 12 years in 1967.

But wait, doesn’t chicken cordon bleu have some connection to the renowned culinary institute, Le Cordon Bleu? I thought so, too. But alas the foodie school cannot take credit for this one as there is no relation between the two.

It is fun to note, though, that the term “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” in French and has its roots in the special order of French knights. In 1578, Henry III of France established that the highest order of knighthood be acknowledged by a blue ribbon. If you’re picturing a piece of chicken cordon bleu swaggering around in knightly gear and blue ribbon flare.. you are not alone.

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History of Chicken Cordon Bleu — Julee Ho Media (2024)

FAQs

History of Chicken Cordon Bleu — Julee Ho Media? ›

The origin of chicken cordon bleu likely came from a dish called veal kiev, which came about in Paris circa the late 1840s. The dish called for veal dredged in breadcrumbs and fried. It was then adapted in Moscow where veal was swapped for chicken.

What is the history of chicken cordon bleu? ›

History. The origins of cordon bleu as a schnitzel filled with cheese are in Brig, Switzerland, probably about the 1940s, first mentioned in a cookbook from 1949. The earliest reference to "chicken cordon bleu" in The New York Times is dated to 1967, while similar veal recipes are found from at least 1955.

What does cordon bleu mean in French? ›

Etymology. after earlier cordon bleu "exceptional cook," borrowed from French, literally, "blue ribbon," referring to the blue ribbon or sash worn by the Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, the highest order of knighthood under the Bourbon kings.

Is chicken cordon bleu actually French? ›

Despite its name, chicken cordon bleu isn't French and neither does it have anything to do with the famous cookery school or, really, the blue ribbon after which both it and the cookery school are named.

What is another name for chicken cordon bleu? ›

Chicken Involitini (Cordon Bleu)

Why is Le Cordon Bleu famous? ›

According to one story, this group became known for its extravagant and luxurious banquets, known as "cordons bleus". At the time, of the French Revolution, the monarchy and the Order were abolished, but the name remained synonymous with excellent French cooking.

Where was the first Le Cordon Bleu? ›

Le Cordon Bleu journey started in France in 1895 with the launch of a weekly publication called La Cuisinière Cordon Bleu. Shortly after, the school in Paris welcomed its first students in what would become one of the famous cooking schools in the world.

Does Le Cordon Bleu still exist? ›

Founded in Paris in 1895, Le Cordon Bleu is considered today the largest network of culinary and hospitality schools in the world with more than 35 institutes in 20 countries and 20,000 students of over 100 nationalities are trained every year.

What is Le Cordon Bleu motto? ›

"Observe, do, learn" is the motto of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, the prestigious culinary arts and hotel management school.

Why is cordon bleu pink? ›

Please note: Cordon Bleus may appear pink when cooked, this is due to the thigh meat and ham.

What is a fun fact about cordon bleu? ›

The French term cordon bleu is translated as "blue ribbon". According to Larousse Gastronomique cordon bleu "was originally a wide blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood, L'Ordre des chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, instituted by Henri III of France in 1578.

Do you have to speak French at Le Cordon Bleu? ›

Do I need to speak French to study at Le Cordon Bleu Paris institute? Classes are taught in French and consecutively translated into English, therefore speaking French is not essential.

Why did Le Cordon Bleu close in the US? ›

A federal crackdown on “predatory” for-profit schools that take advantage of students, including new regulations which limit student loan payments to 20 percent of a graduate's after-tax wages, also hit Cordon Bleu hard and was cited by Career Education CEO Todd Nelson, who took over in August, as a reason for the ...

What ethnicity is chicken cordon bleu? ›

For years I believed that chicken cordon bleu was a French invention, but it actually originated in Switzerland as a schnitzel filled with cheese around the 1940s, with the first reference to it in a cookbook in 1949.

What's the difference between schnitzel and cordon bleu? ›

With time, various derivatives of the basic format have appeared. The most popular alternative is probably the Cordon Bleu, which takes the basic Schnitzel and adds a filling of melted cheese and chopped ham. You also find Naturschnitzel on menus, which is a cutlet without the coating.

Is chicken Kiev the same as cordon bleu? ›

What's the difference between Chicken Cordon Bleu and Chicken Kiev? Chicken Cordon Bleu, as you will see below, is made by folding chicken breast around ham and cheese. Chicken Kiev is made by forming a log of herb butter and folding chicken breast around that instead.

What is the special purpose of Le Cordon Bleu? ›

Le Cordon Bleu fosters a unique multi-cultural and educational environment, encouraging you to learn and grow in the lessons you undertake in the tradition of the French Art de Vivre. Le Cordon Bleu emphasizes the appreciation of French technique at the service of world cuisine.

Why is chicken cordon bleu called hamster? ›

The little breaded roulades were called 'Hamsters' by the freshmen, because of their (very slight) resemblance to the tiny, brown, furry creatures.

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