Effortless & Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Weeknight Weight Watchers Favorite
Imagine all the luxurious, creamy, and savory flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu, but without the intricate work of stuffing and rolling. This easy chicken cordon bleu casserole transforms a traditionally time-consuming dish into a weeknight wonder. It streamlines the process, going straight to the most delicious part: tender, perfectly seared chicken, complemented by savory ham, all enveloped in a light yet irresistibly cheesy sauce, crowned with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. This isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a culinary revelation that brings gourmet taste to your family table with minimal effort.
Designed for convenience and health-conscious dining, this casserole is remarkably weeknight-friendly and proudly WW-approved, boasting just 4 Points per serving! This means you can indulge in comfort food that feels incredibly fancy without any of the guilt or extra work. Serving it alongside a crisp green salad or your favorite steamed vegetables creates a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. Explore more delightful and healthy Weight Watchers dinner recipes right here on our site, making healthy eating both easy and exciting.
Why This Cordon Bleu Casserole Is a Game-Changer
Traditional chicken cordon bleu involves pounding chicken thin, layering it with ham and cheese, rolling it up, breading, and then pan-frying or baking. While undeniably delicious, this method can be quite intimidating and time-consuming, especially after a long day. Our casserole version eliminates these labor-intensive steps without sacrificing any of the iconic flavors. By cutting the chicken into chunks and layering it with the other ingredients, we achieve a harmonious blend of taste and texture in a single, easy-to-assemble dish. It’s perfect for busy individuals and families who crave the classic taste of cordon bleu but need a more practical and quick solution for dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Serving Size: Approximately 200 g per serving, ensuring a hearty and satisfying portion.
- Number of Servings: This recipe generously yields 6 servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
- Preparation & Cook Time: With just 30 minutes of active cooking, plus a little marinating and baking, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in about 40 minutes total.
- WW Points Per Serving: A fantastic 4 WW Points per serving, making it an excellent choice for those managing their weight without feeling deprived. You can view the full recipe details on the WW App here (WW login required).
Ingredients for Your Simple Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. We’ve chosen components that deliver maximum flavor while keeping the dish light and wholesome. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 600 g chicken cutlets, cut into large chunks: Chicken cutlets are lean and cook quickly. Cutting them into chunks allows for even searing and ensures every bite of the casserole has a good portion of juicy chicken.
- 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tsp sweet paprika: This simple yet effective seasoning blend infuses the chicken with a foundational savory flavor and a hint of warmth from the paprika.
- 1 tsp oil (for searing): Just a small amount of oil is needed to achieve a beautiful golden crust on the chicken, locking in its juices.
- 1 cup skim milk (240 ml): The base of our light and creamy sauce. Skim milk keeps the calories and fat low while providing a rich texture.
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (100 g): Mozzarella melts beautifully, contributing to the classic cheesy goodness of cordon bleu without excess fat.
- 1 tsp yellow mustard: A crucial ingredient that provides the signature tang and depth of flavor characteristic of cordon bleu. Don’t skip it!
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (10 g): Used as a thickening agent for the sauce, ensuring it becomes wonderfully rich and velvety.
- 6 slices smoked low-fat turkey ham, cut into strips: Turkey ham is a healthier alternative to traditional ham, offering that smoky, savory element essential to cordon bleu. Cutting it into strips integrates it perfectly throughout the casserole.
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (30 g): The final touch! Breadcrumbs create a delightfully crispy, golden-brown topping, adding a textural contrast to the creamy interior.
Instructions for Making Your Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Follow these simple steps to bring this easy and delicious casserole to life:
- Prepare the Chicken and Creamy Base: Begin by generously seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Take the time to rub the spices in thoroughly; this step is crucial for developing deep flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature to absorb these wonderful aromatics – the longer, the better. While the chicken is marinating, prepare your luscious creamy base. In a medium bowl, whisk together the skim milk, yellow mustard, all-purpose flour, and half of the shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese. A key tip here: ensure your milk is at room temperature before mixing. This helps the flour dissolve completely, preventing any unwanted lumps and ensuring a silky-smooth sauce.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Sear them for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust on all sides. The primary goal here is to achieve that appealing caramelized color and lock in flavor; don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through, as it will finish cooking perfectly in the oven later. This searing step adds a depth of flavor that baking alone cannot provide.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a medium-sized baking dish that can comfortably hold all your ingredients. Pour about two-thirds of your prepared creamy mixture into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a rich foundation. Neatly arrange the seared chicken pieces over the sauce. Next, evenly scatter the strips of smoked low-fat turkey ham over the chicken layer. Finally, pour the remaining creamy mixture over everything, ensuring it’s well distributed. Sprinkle the rest of the low-fat mozzarella cheese over the top, and finish by spreading an even layer of breadcrumbs for that desirable crunch.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the uncovered baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling hot around the edges and the breadcrumb topping has turned a glorious golden brown. For an extra crispy top, you can carefully broil it for 1–2 minutes at the very end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning – ovens vary, and breadcrumbs can brown quickly!
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to set slightly, making for easier and cleaner serving. This incredible casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or a side of steamed fresh vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a complete and balanced meal.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Cordon Bleu Casserole
While this casserole recipe is designed to be significantly easier than its traditional counterpart, a few expert tips can elevate your dish from good to absolutely fantastic. These small adjustments ensure maximum flavor and a delightful presentation:
- Maximize Chicken Flavor with Marination: Don’t rush the marinating process. Allowing the chicken to sit with the salt, pepper, and paprika for at least 30 minutes (or even longer, up to a few hours in the fridge) makes a noticeable difference. The spices penetrate the meat, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender chicken in every bite.
- Achieve the Perfect Sear: When searing the chicken, focus on getting a beautiful golden-brown color on all sides. This isn’t just for aesthetics; caramelization adds a crucial layer of savory depth to the dish. Chicken that’s merely cooked through without browning can look unappetizing and lack that rich, toasted flavor. A good sear is key to building complex flavors in your casserole.
- Ensure a Lumpy-Free Sauce: The secret to a smooth, creamy sauce lies in mixing the flour into room temperature milk. If the milk is cold, the flour can clump, leading to an inconsistent texture. Whisk vigorously until the flour is completely dissolved and no lumps remain before adding it to your casserole. This ensures a velvety and appealing sauce.
- Smart Storage and Reheating: This casserole is fantastic for meal prep! It freezes exceptionally well for a couple of weeks, making it a convenient option for future quick meals. To reheat, simply place the frozen or thawed casserole (covered to prevent drying) in a pot with a splash of milk or chicken broth. Heat gently over low heat or in the oven until warmed through, stirring occasionally if reheating on the stovetop. This method helps maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of low-fat cheese if you prefer, such as Swiss or Gruyere for a more traditional cordon bleu flavor. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Add a Touch of Green: Consider adding a handful of fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving for a burst of fresh flavor and a pop of color.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of the cordon bleu flavor profile, you’ll definitely want to try these other inspired dishes from our kitchen:
Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas: A fun, quick, and equally delicious twist, perfect for a lighter lunch or snack.
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu (WW Friendly Version): For those days when you do want to embrace a bit more of the traditional method, but still keep it healthy.
Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken cutlets, cut into large chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp oil, for searing
- 1 cup skim milk, 240 ml
- 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded (100 g)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, 10 g
- 6 slices smoked low-fat turkey ham, cut into strips
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs, 30 g
Instructions
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Start by seasoning the chicken cutlets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Rub the spices in well and let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors. Meanwhile, prepare your creamy base by whisking together the milk, mustard, flour, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese in a bowl. Make sure the milk is at room temperature so the flour dissolves completely and no lumps remain.
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Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon of oil. Sear the marinated chicken pieces for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown on all sides. The goal here is to get a nice color on the outside—don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium baking dish, pour about two-thirds of the cream mixture into the bottom, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the sauce. Add the turkey ham strips over the chicken. Then pour the remaining cream mixture over everything. Sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top and finish with an even layer of breadcrumbs.
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
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Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This casserole pairs beautifully with a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation. Please consult a professional for exact dietary advice.