Chicken Cordon Bleu Sides Recipes: Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Healthy?

When I began my journey into the world of blogging, I was determined to stand out. I wanted my recipes to be unlike anything else out there, a fusion of the wildest ideas I could find, all mixed together to create something even more exciting and, hopefully, mouthwatering.

Looking back at my early posts, I can’t help but cringe a little. It took me a while to realize that what people really want are recipes that they can actually make at home, recipes that are practical and achievable, not overly complicated or time-consuming.

So I took a step back and focused on the basics for a while. But lately, I’ve been feeling the itch to get a bit more adventurous again, just a tad. One of the joys of food blogging is the creative freedom it offers – the kitchen truly feels like my own personal art studio.

These Cordon Bleu Chicken Enchiladas bring together the best of two worlds: the comforting flavors of chicken cordon bleu and the savory goodness of enchiladas. They’re not just delicious; they’re also incredibly convenient, especially for those hectic days filled with school, holidays, and various activities. Perfect for prepping ahead of time, they offer a tasty solution for busy schedules.

Tips and Tricks to Make Cordon Bleu Chicken Enchiladas

• I opt for whole wheat tortillas to amp up the fiber and protein, but any flavor works just as well. You can even use smaller ones, perfect for the little ones who prefer smaller portions.
• Feel free to amp up the veggie factor in the filling. Think cooked carrots, peas, mushrooms, or steamed asparagus—let your creativity guide you. My base recipe keeps things simple with just some chopped spinach, but you can load them up with whatever veggies you fancy.
• For make-ahead convenience, it’s best to hold off on adding the sauce until baking time to prevent sogginess. Simply spread it on and sprinkle with cheese before popping them in the oven.
• As for the sauce, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly fine if you’re short on time or that’s your preference. Personally, I prefer homemade whenever possible, but I understand the need for shortcuts when life gets hectic.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Sides Recipes

These Cordon Bleu Chicken Enchiladas are a lifesaver for busy weeknights! Packed with chicken, ham, cheese, and spinach, they offer the perfect blend of flavors and comfort. Plus, you can whip them up ahead of time for added convenience.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 3 chicken breasts, seasoned, cooked, and chopped (about 450g or 1 lb)
– 1 1/2 cups cooked chopped ham (about 185g)
– 1/3 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry (about 30g)*
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (about 100g)
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
– 8 whole wheat tortillas
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 cups 1% milk
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Pinch of black pepper
– 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Here’s how to make the Cordon Bleu Chicken Enchiladas:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, ham, spinach, 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese, dried parsley, and garlic powder.
3. Divide the filling evenly between the whole wheat tortillas and roll them up tightly. Place them in the prepared pan in a row (you might need to press them together a bit, but that’s okay). Set aside.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute until well combined.
6. Gradually whisk in the milk, and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese.
7. Pour the Alfredo sauce over the enchiladas, then sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the enchiladas are hot and the cheese is starting to brown.

Check This One: Dave Shirkey Chicken Recipe: Mastering the Grill and Traditional Flavor!

What Sides Go Well With Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is indeed a timeless favorite, featuring tender chicken, savory Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb coating. Its simplicity makes it a go-to option for dinner, especially on those days when energy is running low after a hectic day.

When it comes to choosing the perfect accompaniments for chicken cordon bleu, opt for side dishes that enhance its rich flavors and creamy sauce. You can create a delightful meal with simple, quick-to-make dishes that complement the main course perfectly—just like the ones featured in this post!

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Healthy?

Chicken Cordon Ble­u is flexible, fitting differe­nt diets. Chicken’s common in many meal plans but, adding che­ese, ham, and bacon might not be for e­veryone. If you’re ke­to, you’re in luck: this recipe matche­s your meals well. Not on a diet? No worrie­s! It’s a delicious treat for your cheat day!

How to Save Money on Chicken Cordon Blue?

Want to save dough on chicke­n cordon bleu? Hunt for sales or grab ingredie­nts in big amounts. All the stuff you need can be­ frozen, making it a wise choice to ge­t them cheaper, e­ven if you won’t use them imme­diately. You’ll be set with e­verything in place, ready to rustle­ up this tasty meal any time, without emptying your walle­t.

Different Ways to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

There are several ways to customize chicken cordon bleu according to your preferences:

1. Without bacon: Skipping the bacon is a simple way to reduce calories or accommodate dietary restrictions. The dish is still delicious without it.

2. With different cheese: While traditional recipes use Swiss cheese, you can experiment with cheddar, provolone, or any other cheese you prefer for a unique twist.

3. With spinach: Adding spinach leaves along with the ham and cheese is a sneaky way to incorporate extra nutrients, especially if you’re trying to encourage your kids to eat more greens.

4. Breaded: Instead of wrapping the chicken, you can bread it for a crispy coating. Panko bread crumbs are a popular choice as they crisp up nicely in the oven.

5. With gravy: Elevate the dish by serving it with gravy. Whether you opt for a homemade mushroom gravy or a store-bought packet, it adds an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. Choose based on the time you have available and your personal preferences.