Craving a comforting and elegant dish that fits your keto lifestyle? Look no further than this keto chicken cordon bleu recipe! This dish takes the classic French recipe and transforms it into a low-carb delight that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy this cheesy, ham-filled chicken dish any night of the week.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French recipe featuring chicken wrapped around cheese and ham. The phrase "cordon bleu" itself translates to "blue ribbon" in French, suggesting that this dish is a "blue-ribbon" or first-place chicken recipe. Traditionally, it involves a thinly pounded chicken breast layered with Dijon mustard, ham, and Swiss cheese, then rolled tightly, breaded, and baked.
Why This Recipe Works for Keto
This keto version of chicken cordon bleu recreates the classic flavors while keeping the carb count low. It eliminates traditional breading and replaces it with keto-friendly alternatives like almond flour and pork rinds. It can be made without breading as well. The result is a crispy, cheesy, and protein-packed meal that fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious keto chicken cordon bleu:
- Chicken: Thinly sliced chicken breasts are ideal for easy rolling. If you can't find thin slices, you can easily make your own by slicing regular boneless, skinless chicken breasts in half horizontally (like a bagel) and pounding them thin with a meat tenderizer or heavy skillet. Chicken thighs may also be used.
- Ham: Prosciutto ham or thinly sliced Black Forest ham adds a salty and savory flavor. You can also use other ham varieties, bacon, or pancetta.
- Cheese: Sliced Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, but you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, smoked mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, or even cream cheese.
- Almond Flour: Used as a base for the breading.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty and cheesy flavor to the breading.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhance the flavor of the breading.
- Egg: Used to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken (if making without breading).
- Butter: Adds flavor and richness to the sauce (optional).
- Garlic: Crushed garlic adds a pungent aroma to the sauce (optional).
- Cream Cheese: Contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce (optional).
- Heavy Cream: Creates a luscious base for the sauce (optional).
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and flavorful kick to the sauce and as a spread inside the chicken.
- Chicken Stock or Broth: Thins out the sauce to a desired consistency (optional).
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the sauce (optional).
- Pork Rinds: Crushed pork rinds can be used as a breading substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are three ways you can prepare this keto chicken cordon bleu recipe.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Baked Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu (with Breading)
This version uses a gluten-free breading for a crispy and satisfying texture.
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: If necessary, pound the chicken breasts to about ¼-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer with Ham and Cheese: Place 1 ½ slices of Swiss cheese and a piece of prosciutto on top of each chicken cutlet.
- Roll and Secure: Roll up the chicken as tightly as possible and secure with toothpicks to keep them in place.
- Prepare the Breading: In one shallow bowl, beat an egg. In another shallow bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken bundle in the egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in the breading mixture, pressing to coat all sides.
- Bake: Place the breaded chicken bundles in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Skillet and Oven Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu (without Breading)
This method involves searing the chicken in a skillet and then finishing it in the oven for a golden-brown crust.
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay your thinly sliced pieces of chicken flat and season with salt and pepper. Next, place 1 ½ pieces of Swiss on top along with a piece of prosciutto.
- Roll and Secure: Roll up as best you can and place a couple toothpicks to keep them in place.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls, seam-side down, and sear for about 3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu
This method offers a quicker cooking time and crispy results.
- Preparation: Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken in a zip-top bag. Using a meat mallet, pound to ¼-inch thickness. Season on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Layer with Ham and Cheese: Place a piece of chicken on a clean plate and top with ½ ounce each of ham and cheese.
- Roll and Secure: Roll the chicken up and secure with toothpicks.
- Prepare the Breading: Place the eggs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, almond flour, and Italian seasoning.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip the chicken in the eggs and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the mixture firmly to the surface of the chicken with your hands.
- Air Fry: Place the chicken in the air fryer seam side down. Spray with oil. Cook at 400 for 8 minutes. Flip and re-spray. Cook for another 6 to 10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken is about 160 degrees.
- Rest and Serve: Rest for 10 minutes and serve.
Making the Creamy Mustard Sauce (Optional)
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare a simple and delicious mustard sauce to complement the dish.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 crushed cloves of garlic and sauté for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese and ¾ cup of heavy cream. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well incorporated.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add ¾ cup of Swiss, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. For a less thick sauce, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Simmer over low heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the cheese melts and the mixture has thickened.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Pound the Chicken Thin: Thin chicken cutlets are essential for easy rolling and even cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to keep the chicken rolls intact during cooking. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Don't Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking and dryness.
- Get Creative with Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Crispy Breading: For extra crispy breading, consider using crushed pork rinds or a combination of almond flour and parmesan cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the Ham: Try prosciutto, bacon, or pancetta for a different flavor profile.
- Change the Cheese: Experiment with smoked mozzarella, sharp white cheddar, or cream cheese instead of Swiss.
- Make it a Casserole: Combine cubed chicken, sliced ham, and cheese in a casserole dish, pour the sauce over the top, and bake for a quick and easy meal. Sprinkle the pork rind breadcrumbs over top and broil for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Incorporate cheesy, garlicky spinach into the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This keto chicken cordon bleu is delicious on its own or served with a side of:
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
- Zucchini noodles with lemon and parmesan
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans)
- Cauliflower rice
- A side salad with a keto-friendly dressing
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftover keto chicken cordon bleu in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy texture of the breading. You can also microwave it, but the breading may become soggy.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto