Quick & Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas: Your Go-To Flatout Bread Recipe for Easy Meals
For those who’ve been following my culinary adventures, it’s no secret that Flatout breads are a weekly staple in my kitchen. Their incredible versatility makes them a true game-changer for crafting simple dinners, easy breakfasts, and even delightful desserts. A quick search for “Flatout” on my blog will reveal a plethora of creative dishes I’ve developed using their fantastic range of products.
I am thrilled to announce my continued collaboration with this outstanding company – now proudly endorsed by Weight Watchers! Together, we’re bringing you yet another brilliantly simple, incredibly delicious, and health-conscious meal idea that will quickly become a family favorite. Say hello to these amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas. They’re not only bursting with flavor but can also be whipped up in mere minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or a quick, satisfying lunch. Each quesadilla is a smart choice at just 7 Weight Watchers Freestyle SmartPoints, demonstrating that healthy eating never has to compromise on taste or convenience.
This recipe transforms classic chicken cordon bleu flavors – succulent chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese – into a portable, easy-to-eat quesadilla form, all held together by the light and flavorful Flatout bread. It’s a culinary hack that delivers gourmet taste with minimal effort and maximum health benefits. Whether you’re a Weight Watchers member or simply looking for delicious, balanced meals, these quesadillas offer a perfect solution.
Before we dive into the recipe, make sure you have your Flatout wraps ready! You can use their store locator to find where to purchase them near you and stock up on this versatile pantry essential.
Chicken cordon bleu flatout quesadillas
Ingredients
- 2 original flatout wraps, I used the Italian lights
- 6 oz cooked chicken, cut in strips
- 6 slices 100g lean deli ham
- 2 slices light swiss cheese, 19g slices, pic below of the nutri info for my brand
- 2 Tbsp light ranch dressing
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350F
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Lay out your wraps and place 3 oz of chicken in the bottom half, top with 3 slices of ham and 1 slice of swiss cheese.
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Put your dressing in a small zip lock bag and cut of a tiny hole, drizzle half over each wrap so your getting 1T on each.
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Fold wraps over and bake in oven for 15 minutes.
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Cut each wrap into 3 and serve warm.
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Makes 2 quesadillas at 7 freestyle smart points each (9PP) nutritional info per serving, Calories 385…Fat 12.6g..Sat fat 3.9g..Carbs 16.6g…Fiber 9.2g…Sugars 1.1g..Sodium 1069.3mg…Protein 51.6g
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas
Beyond their incredible flavor, these Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas offer a multitude of benefits that make them a standout dish. First and foremost, they are incredibly quick to prepare, requiring only 5 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes in the oven. This makes them an ideal solution for those hectic days when you need a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese creates a symphony of flavors reminiscent of the classic dish, but in a fun, handheld format.
As a Weight Watchers-friendly recipe, these quesadillas are designed to keep you on track with your health goals. With just 7 Freestyle SmartPoints per serving, they offer substantial protein (over 50g!) and fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a smart choice for maintaining a balanced lifestyle while enjoying genuinely delicious food. It’s perfect for meal prepping, too – prepare the filling in advance, and assemble your quesadillas when hunger strikes!
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla, and with the right choices, you can maximize both flavor and nutritional value:
- Flatout Wraps: The foundation of our quesadillas! I used the Italian Light variety, which is fantastic for its flavor and flexibility. Flatout wraps are known for being a lighter alternative to traditional bread, often lower in calories and carbs, and higher in fiber, making them ideal for Weight Watchers and anyone watching their intake. Their large size is perfect for folding over generous fillings.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Six ounces of cooked chicken, cut into strips, provides the lean protein base. For ultimate convenience, I often use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts that I’ve shredded or diced. You can also quickly pan-sear or bake chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper specifically for this recipe.
- Lean Deli Ham: Six slices of lean deli ham (around 100g) bring that signature salty, smoky flavor of cordon bleu. Opting for a lean variety helps keep the fat content in check without sacrificing taste. Look for low-sodium options if that’s a concern.
- Light Swiss Cheese: Two slices of light Swiss cheese (19g each) add the creamy, nutty element that binds the flavors together. Light Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides a wonderful texture while being a more calorie-conscious choice. Make sure to check the nutritional information for your specific brand.
- Light Ranch Dressing: Two tablespoons of light ranch dressing provide a tangy, creamy counterpoint to the rich fillings. This is a subtle yet essential flavor enhancer that ties all the cordon bleu elements together. Using a light version significantly reduces calories and fat compared to regular ranch.
Tips for the Perfect Quesadilla Experience
To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up on fillings, overfilling your Flatout wraps can make them difficult to fold and seal, leading to messy quesadillas. Stick to the recommended quantities for optimal results.
- Even Distribution: Spread the chicken, ham, and cheese evenly over one half of the Flatout wrap before drizzling with ranch. This ensures every bite has a balanced blend of flavors.
- The Drizzle Method: Using a small zip-lock bag with a tiny corner snipped off is a brilliant trick for evenly distributing the light ranch dressing. This prevents a soggy quesadilla and ensures the flavor is spread just right.
- Preheat Your Oven: A properly preheated oven (350F / 175C) is key to achieving a warm, melty interior and a slightly crispy exterior on your quesadillas in just 15 minutes.
- Consider a Pan-Fry Finish: For an extra crispy exterior, after baking, you can briefly pan-fry the quesadillas in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden brown. This adds a fantastic crunch!
- Serving Temperature: These quesadillas are best served warm, straight out of the oven. The melted cheese and heated fillings are at their peak flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions and Customization
These Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas are incredibly satisfying on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a simple side. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a complete and balanced meal. You could also serve them with a cup of tomato soup for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences and what you have on hand. For a touch of extra freshness, consider adding finely diced red onion or a sprinkle of fresh parsley to the filling. If you’re not strictly adhering to Weight Watchers, you could experiment with other cheeses like provolone or gruyere, or a different dressing like honey mustard for a slightly sweeter kick. You can even add some steamed spinach or finely chopped bell peppers for added vegetables and nutrients. The beauty of Flatout wraps is their adaptability, making experimentation easy and fun!
The Power of Flatout Bread in Your Kitchen
Flatout bread isn’t just a component in this recipe; it’s a versatile foundation for countless healthy and delicious meals. Its unique texture and shape make it perfect for wraps, pizzas, crispy chips, and so much more. Many varieties are high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, aligning perfectly with various dietary goals, including Weight Watchers. Beyond savory dishes like these quesadillas, think about using Flatout for sweet applications too, like fruit “pizzas” or cinnamon sugar crisps. It truly empowers you to get creative in the kitchen while maintaining a focus on wholesome ingredients.
The Weight Watchers endorsement is a testament to Flatout’s commitment to providing products that support healthy eating habits. This partnership makes it even easier for those on a wellness journey to incorporate delicious, point-friendly options into their daily meals. By choosing Flatout, you’re choosing convenience, versatility, and health, all wrapped up in one fantastic product.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions you might have about making and enjoying these Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas:
Q: Can I use uncooked chicken?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the quesadillas. Dice or slice raw chicken breast and cook it in a skillet until fully done, then proceed with the recipe instructions.
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can certainly prep the filling (cooked chicken, sliced ham, cheese) ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the quesadillas just before serving for the best results, as the wraps can get soft if left assembled for too long before cooking.
Q: Are these freezer-friendly?
A: While they can be frozen, the texture of the Flatout wrap might change slightly upon reheating, becoming a bit softer. To freeze, let the cooked quesadillas cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven from frozen until warmed through and crispy.
Q: What if I don’t have light ranch dressing?
A: You can substitute with another light creamy dressing that complements chicken and ham, such as light honey mustard or a light Caesar dressing. For a zero-point option (for Weight Watchers), you could use a small amount of fat-free Greek yogurt mixed with herbs and a touch of lemon juice.
Q: Can I cook these in a pan instead of the oven?
A: Absolutely! Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the folded quesadilla in the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted. You might need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the inside warms up.
I genuinely hope you try this recipe and fall in love with these Chicken Cordon Bleu Flatout Quesadillas as much as I have. They embody everything I look for in a meal: delicious, quick, and perfectly balanced. Happy cooking!