Description
This Lightened-Up Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a healthier twist on the classic dish, combining tender chicken breasts, lean ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s topped with a crispy breadcrumb and ham crust, then baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a comforting family dinner that’s both satisfying and lighter on calories.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 1 can fat free cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian blend seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Layering and Topping
- 6 slices deli ham, divided
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, divided
- 1 cup bread crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Season the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the chicken breasts and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken slices for about 1 minute on each side to develop a golden, flavorful crust.
- Arrange Chicken in Casserole Dish: Remove the browned chicken from the skillet and place evenly at the bottom of a casserole dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small sauce pot over medium-low heat, combine the fat-free cream of chicken soup, milk, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully blended and warmed through, then remove from heat.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the sauce over the chicken in the casserole dish. Next, layer half of the deli ham slices followed by half of the Swiss cheese. Add the remaining sauce on top, then finish with the remaining ham and cheese slices.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a small amount of olive oil and any reserved ham pieces to add extra texture and flavor. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Finish: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the sauce is bubbling at the edges, indicating it is heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
- You can use whole wheat bread crumbs for added fiber and a healthier option.
- Ensure the chicken is browned well to add extra flavor before baking.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make the dish gluten free, substitute bread crumbs with gluten free bread crumbs.
