Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Keto Friendly Too)
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 dive into the recipe, let’s quickly talk fun facts about the origins of this classic dish. Cordon Bleu, which translates to “blue ribbon” in French, originated in Switzerland and is traditionally made with veal, ham, and cheese. Now, what is veal? Well, glad you asked because veal is meat from a young calf, typically a male dairy calf less than 3-4 months old. Yeah, so this particular recipe is not that fancy, albeit still very delicious. We would not be sourcing young cow meat for this recipe, sorry! We would, however, be using chicken breast— a cheaper and more readily available meat you can get at the grocery store. So without further ado, let’s get started!
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.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
PrintIngredients
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
Directions
Cut the chicken fillets into small pieces.
Cut the peeled tomato into small cubes and add to top of the chicken.
Place the egg and sour cream in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
Pour over the chicken and tomato.
Grate cordon bleu cheese on a fine grater.
Cut hearts out of the mozzarella for decoration.
Preheat the oven to 360°F.
Place the prepped chicken cordon bleu casserole in the oven and let bake for about 1 hour.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Recommended Products
Serving Instructions
- You can serve the chicken cordon bleu casserole in the baking dish in which it was cooked.
- It is best served warm, straight out of the oven.
- 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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