Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or silicone spatula

Ingredients

For the Casserole Base:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts , cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil for searing)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces deli-style cooked ham , chopped or diced into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper , to taste

For the Creamy Dijon Sauce:

• 8 ounces cream cheese , softened to room temperature
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese , divided (plus extra for topping if desired)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (adds that signature tangy bite)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (to cut through the richness)

For the Crunchy Low-Carb Topping:

• 1 cup pork rinds , finely crushed (a fantastic, zero-carb alternative to traditional breadcrumbs)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep and Preheat

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Pat your cubed chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear. Season the chicken generously all over with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat your olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes in a single layer. Sear the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown on the outside and cooked mostly through (it will finish cooking in the oven).
3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer it directly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.

3. Layer the Ham

1. Take your chopped deli ham and scatter it evenly across the layer of cooked chicken in the baking dish. Make sure the ham is well distributed so every single spoonful of the final casserole gets a great mix of both chicken and ham.

4. Whip Up the Creamy Dijon Sauce

1. In the same skillet (or a medium saucepan) over medium-low heat, combine the softened cream cheese and heavy whipping cream. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese melts completely into the cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
2. Stir in the Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and half a cup of the shredded Swiss cheese. Continue to whisk until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Taste the sauce and season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.

5. Combine and Pour

1. Pour the warm, creamy Dijon sauce evenly over the chicken and ham mixture in the baking dish. Use a spatula to gently press down so the sauce coats all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful as it bakes.
2. Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the sauce.

6. Make the Crunchy Low-Carb Topping

1. In a small mixing bowl, combine your finely crushed pork rinds, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with a fork until the pork rinds are evenly moistened and resemble coarse breadcrumbs.
2. Scatter this crunchy mixture evenly across the top of the casserole to mimic the classic breaded exterior of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

1. Place the casserole uncovered into your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes , or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges, the cheese is completely melted, and the pork rind topping is golden brown and crispy.
2. If the topping browns too quickly during baking, loosely tent the dish with a piece of aluminum foil for the final 10 minutes.

8. Rest and Garnish

1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the rich cream sauce to thicken up slightly, making it much easier to scoop into clean portions.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a touch of freshness before serving warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 540 kcal · Protein: 36 g · Fat: 42 g Saturated Fat: 22 g · Carbohydrates: 4 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 22 g Cholesterol: 175 mg · Fiber: 0.5 g · Sugar: 1.5 g · Sodium: 920 mg