Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy casserole that tastes absolutely indulgent but won't destroy your weight loss goals! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the miracle recipe you've been searching for - combining the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a lighter, more diet-friendly version that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something deliciously satisfying without the guilt, this Weight Watchers Freestyle recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and diced ham. Mix them well to ensure that the meats are evenly distributed.
- Add the shredded Swiss cheese to the bowl with the chicken and ham. Stir until the cheese is well incorporated with the meats.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will add flavor and moisture to your casserole.
- Pour the milk mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the liquid.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be used as a topping for your casserole.
- Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. This will create a crispy topping as the casserole bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. This will allow the casserole to heat through without burning the breadcrumbs.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time and ensure tender meat
- Shred the chicken and ham into similar-sized pieces for even distribution
- For extra crispiness, consider toasting the breadcrumbs lightly before adding them to the top
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more robust flavor
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese
- Make sure to season your breadcrumb topping well to enhance the overall flavor profile
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the milk mixture
- Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 189kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 54mg
