Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Keto Friendly Too)

Introduction

Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying chicken cordon bleu meal that will knock your socks off? Well, look no further cause we have just what you need — a perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! This dish is packed with flavor, healthy fats, and protein, making it an ideal option for those on a low-carb or keto diet.

But before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to explore some fascinating tidbits about the origins of this timeless dish. Cordon Bleu, derived from the French term “blue ribbon,” originated in Switzerland and traditionally featured veal, ham, and cheese.

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is veal? Well, I’m glad you asked! Veal is meat from a young calf, typically a male dairy calf less than 3-4 months old. For some, that may sound interesting but for others, maybe not so much. However, fear not, for this recipe is not quite traditional or fancy but still incredibly delicious.

We won’t be using young cow meat here. My apologies! Instead, we’ll be using good ol’ chicken breast – a more affordable and easily accessible meat you can find at your local grocery store. So without any further delay, let’s jump right in!

A Look at the Key Ingredients 

  • Tomatoes: You need this for the casserole’s burst of flavor and a touch of acidity. Tomatoes are also a good source of vitamin C and lycopene, which is great for your health. We are not using too many tomatoes, so don’t worry, as we will still be able to make the macros. If you don’t have a fresh tomato, you can substitute it with canned diced tomatoes or a few drops of tomato paste.
  • Chicken breast: Chicken is a lean protein source low in carbs. It is also a good source of vitamin B12 and niacin. You can substitute chicken thighs or turkey breast if you don’t have chicken breast.
  • Cordon bleu cheese: This is the star of the show! Cordon bleu cheese is a Swiss cheese known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor. If you want to make this dish but can’t find cordon bleu cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyere or Emmental cheese.
  • Egg: We need just one egg to thicken the sour cream sauce. There would be no need to go but eggs if you have a few
  • Sour cream: This adds a nice tangy flavor and creamy texture to the sauce. It’s also a good source of healthy fats. 
  • Spices: I will go for fresh herbs when possible. This chicken cordon bleu casserole calls for coriander, thyme, salt, garlic, and smoked paprika. Do feel free to add spices to taste. Cooking comes from the heart, so don’t feel you have to match everything to a Tee.
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1 hour, 10 minutes

2 servings

Ingredients

1 medium tomato
A little olive oil (to grease the mold)
1/2 pound chicken breast.
2.5-3 oz. cordon bleu cheese,
2 ounces mozzarella for decoration
1 egg
5 tbsp. sour cream
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
pinch of smoked paprika
1 sprig of thyme
salt to taste
Nutritional Information
727 Calories
44g Total Fat
7g Net Carbs
71g Protein

Directions

1
Cut the chicken fillets into small pieces.
We cut it into cubes, but you could shred it if you like. Spray a baking dish with olive oil. Lay the chicken in a single layer. Salt and sprinkle with spices. (Not too much salt! Cordon bleu cheese is salty.)
2
Cut the peeled tomato into small cubes and add to top of the chicken.
The tomatoes provide much-needed flavor and a touch of acidity to the chicken cordon bleu. If you are using canned tomatoes, make sure to drain out the water first so the final dish is not soggy.
3
Place the egg and sour cream in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
4
Pour over the chicken and tomato.
This is an easy step; just make sure it is evenly distributed.
5
Grate cordon bleu cheese on a fine grater.
Sprinkle over the top of the casserole. The cheese adds a nice flavor and helps bind the casserole together.
6
Cut hearts out of the mozzarella for decoration.
Grill them on a grill pan, and set aside. We would add this at the end just before we serve. You can also sear them in a skillet as well. We like the grill marks, so we choose to grill them. You can skip this step altogether if you don't want any more cheese.
7
Preheat the oven to 360°F.
8
Place the prepped chicken cordon bleu casserole in the oven and let bake for about 1 hour.
When cooking the casserole, it is important to pay attention to the temperature and timing. Preheat the oven to 360°F, ensuring that the casserole cooks evenly and quickly. You would only need to bake this for 1 hour or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on it while it's in the oven. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your oven.
9
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
You are doing this so that you don't get a burned tongue. It is also a bit easier to cut and serve if cooled.

Notes

  • As with any dish, ovens vary in temperature, and cooking times may be affected. So keep an eye on it and adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • We use block cheese rather than pre-shredded cheese because it can help with the texture, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose--- a substance that helps prevent clumping but can affect the melting properties of the cheese.
  • Salt is used to bring out all the flavors of the other ingredients. Be careful with your amount, as cordon bleu cheese is already quite salty. If you rather not add any salt, you can skip the additional salt.
  • The chicken cordon bleu casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and the cheese is melted. To check for doneness, you can insert a knife or fork into the center of the dish. If it comes out clean, the casserole is done. If there's still raw batter, put it back in the oven for a few more minutes.
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    Serving Instructions

    1. You can serve the chicken cordon bleu casserole in the baking dish in which it was cooked.
    2. It is best served warm, straight out of the oven.
    3. Garnish is up to you. Get creative with it.

    Storage Instructions

    • When storing this chicken cordon bleu casserole, it is important to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it in plastic wrap. This will prevent it from becoming soggy and help maintain its texture and flavor.
    • Note that you can store this casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can place the casserole in the oven or microwave to reheat it.
    • If you choose to reheat it in the oven, preheat it to 350°F and heat the casserole for about 15-20 minutes. It’s best to cover the casserole while reheating it in the oven to prevent the cheese from getting too brown. And be mindful that reheating the casserole will change the texture of the cheese and the tomato, they will become softer, and the cheese may not melt as nicely.
    • If you choose to reheat it in the microwave, heat it on high for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

    Can I Swap the Cordon Bleu Cheese For Swiss Cheese? Are They The Same?

    Cordon Bleu is a type of cheese made from cow’s milk, and it typically has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. It is a semi-soft cheese with a smooth texture and is authentically used in cordon bleu hence the name. On the other hand, Swiss cheese, also known as Emmental cheese, is a semi-hard cheese typically used in fondue, sandwiches, and as a snack cheese.

    Both kinds of cheese are different and have distinct flavors, textures, and use in cooking. That said, you can use Swiss cheese as a substitute for Cordon Bleu cheese in this recipe, it will give a similar nutty, slightly sweet flavor, and it will also melt nicely. However, the saltiness of the cheese will be different, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt used in the recipe.

    Is This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Keto Friendly?

    Yes, because this recipe is high in fat, moderate in protein, and low in carbohydrates, which is consistent with the macronutrient ratios of a ketogenic diet. Do note that the recipe will vary depending on the specific brands used and if you do any substitutions. In the recipe above, I calculated the nutrition based on the brand I used.

    Dishes That Compliment The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

    Although the meal is pretty hearty on its own. You can serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumber, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice, will complement the casserole nicely. Roasted vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus will also pair well with the casserole.

    You can also serve the casserole with low-carb bread, cauliflower rice, or zucchini noodles to make the dish more filling.

    Conclusion 

    This Chicken Cordon bleu Casserole is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It fits the macros, is easy to prepare, and is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Just feast your eyes on that beauty!

    The dish is best served warm, straight out of the oven. Yes, we know this is all heart-shaped, but we added that as a special nod to valentine’s day. That said, there is no reason why you cannot prepare this any other day. Every day can use just a little more love to it, right?

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