Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet | Low Carb & THM S
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
If you love the flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu but do not want to fuss with pounding, rolling, breading, and baking chicken breasts, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet is such an easy alternative.
Tender bites of chicken and savory ham are coated in a creamy Dijon Swiss cheese sauce for a comforting dinner that tastes a little fancy but is simple enough for a weeknight.
This recipe is also low carb and Trim Healthy Mama S-friendly, making it a great option when you want something rich and satisfying without traditional breading.
And the best part? Everything comes together in one skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
Traditional chicken cordon bleu usually involves chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried.
Delicious? Absolutely.
Something I always want to make on a busy weeknight? Not necessarily.
This skillet version gives you all those familiar flavors without the extra steps.
You still get:
- Tender seasoned chicken
- Savory ham
- Swiss cheese
- Dijon mustard
- A creamy sauce
- Plenty of classic chicken cordon bleu flavor
But instead of stuffing and breading chicken breasts, everything is chopped into bite-size pieces and cooked together in a skillet.
It is much easier and just as comforting.
A Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Without Breading
One of the easiest ways to make chicken cordon bleu lower in carbs is simply to skip the breading.
You really do not miss it in this recipe because the creamy Swiss and Dijon sauce brings so much flavor.
The sauce is made with a combination of light cream cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken broth, Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and a little unsweetened almond milk.
It is creamy without being overly heavy.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet THM Friendly?
Yes.
This recipe works beautifully as a Trim Healthy Mama S meal.
Because it contains olive oil, cream cheese, Swiss cheese, and ham, it fits naturally into an S setting.
I like using light cream cheese and nonfat Greek yogurt to keep the sauce creamy while avoiding unnecessary added fat.
Be sure to choose ham without added sugar or with very little added sugar when possible.
Serve it with non-starchy vegetables or another THM S-friendly side.
Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
You only need a handful of simple ingredients.
Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are cut into bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly.
Ham
Diced ham gives the recipe that classic chicken cordon bleu flavor.
This is also a great recipe for using leftover ham.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss is the traditional cheese used in chicken cordon bleu and gives this sauce its distinctive flavor.
Dijon Mustard
Do not skip the Dijon.
It adds just enough tang to balance the creamy cheese sauce without making the dish taste strongly of mustard.
Greek Yogurt
Nonfat Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a little extra protein.
Keep the heat low after adding it so the sauce stays smooth.
Light Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives the sauce body and helps everything become rich and creamy.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth loosens the sauce and helps pull all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Unsweetened Almond Milk
A small amount of almond milk helps thin the finished sauce until it is exactly as creamy as you want it.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu in a Skillet
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the bite-size pieces of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Cook the chicken until browned and mostly cooked through, then remove it from the skillet.
Next, add the ham and cook it for just a few minutes to warm it and develop a little extra flavor.
Remove the ham and place it with the chicken.
Add the chicken broth and minced garlic to the skillet.
Scrape the bottom of the skillet so all those browned pieces become part of the sauce.
Let the broth simmer briefly.
Reduce the heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
Add the Dijon mustard, then turn the heat to low before stirring in the Greek yogurt.
Add the Swiss cheese and Parmesan, if using, and stir until everything is melted and creamy.
Return the chicken and ham to the skillet.
Add about 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk to loosen the sauce.
You can add another splash if needed.
Heat everything gently until the chicken is completely cooked through.
Do not let the sauce boil after adding the yogurt and cheese.
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces light cream cheese
- 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 to 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, optional
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, plus more as needed
- Parsley for garnish, optional
Directions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and place with the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth and minced garlic to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom and allow the broth to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- Turn the heat to low and gently stir in the Greek yogurt.
- Add the Swiss cheese and optional Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Return the chicken and ham to the skillet and stir until coated in the sauce.
- Add approximately 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk to loosen the sauce. Add another splash if necessary until the sauce is creamy and easily coats the chicken.
- Heat gently for a few minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and everything is hot.
- Avoid boiling the sauce after the yogurt and cheese have been added.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
What to Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet
Because this is a rich and creamy main dish, I like serving it with simple vegetables.
Good low-carb and THM S-friendly options include:
- Roasted broccoli
- Green beans
- Steamed asparagus
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower rice
- Mashed cauliflower
- Zucchini noodles
- A simple green salad
You could also spoon the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice to make an easy bowl-style dinner.
Can I Use Leftover Ham?
Absolutely.
This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover ham.
Simply dice it and add it to the skillet according to the recipe instructions.
If your ham is already especially salty, you may want to reduce the amount of added salt in the chicken seasoning.
Can I Use Chicken Thighs?
Yes.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts.
They may take a little longer to cook, and they will increase the fat content of the dish, which is something THM readers may want to keep in mind.
How Do I Keep the Sauce From Separating?
The biggest trick is keeping the heat low once you add the Greek yogurt.
Greek yogurt and cheese sauces can become grainy when boiled.
After adding the yogurt and cheese, use gentle heat and only warm the skillet until everything is heated through.
Why Is My Sauce Too Thick?
The sauce will naturally thicken as the cream cheese and Swiss cheese melt.
That is why almond milk is added near the end.
Start with about 1/4 cup.
If the sauce still feels too thick, add another tablespoon or two until you reach the consistency you like.
Can I Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet Ahead of Time?
Yes.
You can prepare the entire recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
The sauce will thicken as it chills, so when reheating, add a small splash of unsweetened almond milk or chicken broth.
Warm it slowly over low heat rather than boiling it.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover chicken cordon bleu skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals.
Add a splash of almond milk or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Can You Freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet?
You can, although creamy sauces containing Greek yogurt and cheese sometimes change texture after freezing.
For the best texture, I prefer serving this recipe fresh or refrigerating leftovers rather than freezing it.
Easy Weeknight Comfort Food
Recipes like this are exactly what I love for busy nights.
Chicken cordon bleu sounds like something that should require a lot of work, but this skillet version keeps all the best flavors while making the cooking process much more practical.
You get tender chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, Dijon, and a creamy sauce all in one skillet.
Add a vegetable on the side and dinner is done.
If you are following Trim Healthy Mama, this is also an easy way to enjoy a comforting THM S dinner that the rest of the family can enjoy too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is chicken cordon bleu made of?
Traditional chicken cordon bleu is made with chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and usually a breadcrumb coating. This skillet recipe uses those same classic flavors but skips the breading and turns them into an easy creamy one-pan meal.
Is chicken cordon bleu low carb?
Traditional breaded chicken cordon bleu may contain more carbohydrates because of the breading. This skillet version skips breadcrumbs, making it a much easier option for a low-carb meal.
What cheese is best for chicken cordon bleu?
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice. Gruyere can also work, although Swiss is usually easier to find and more affordable.
What kind of ham should I use?
Diced deli ham, leftover baked ham, or another cooked ham can all work. For Trim Healthy Mama, check the label and choose a ham with little or no added sugar when possible.
Can I make chicken cordon bleu without breadcrumbs?
Yes. This skillet version is an easy way to enjoy chicken cordon bleu flavors without breading or breadcrumbs.
Is this chicken cordon bleu skillet keto?
The ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates and may fit many low-carb or keto approaches depending on the specific brands and serving size used. Always check your individual ingredient labels if you track macros closely.
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet | Low Carb & THM S
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Lb Chicken Breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 C Diced Ham I used lunch meat
- 1 T Oil
- 3/4 t Salt
- 3/4 t Pepper
- 3/4 t Garlic Powder
- 1/2 t Onion Powder
- 1/2 t Smoked Paprika
- 1 T Minced Garlic
- 3/4 C Chicken Broth
- 4 oz Reduced Fat Cream Cheese
- 1/2 C Non-fat Greek Yogurt
- 1 1/2 T Dijon Mustard
- 3/4 C Shredded Swiss I used leftover sandwich slices and cut into pieces
- 2-3 T Parmesan Cheese I used the green container
- 1/4 C Unsweetened Almond milk, or more This helps thin it out at the end
- Dried parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the diced ham to the skillet and heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and place with the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth and minced garlic to the skillet. Scrape up the browned bits from the bottom and allow the broth to simmer for 1 to 2 minutes. Reduce the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard.
- Add the Swiss cheese and optional Parmesan. Stir until melted and creamy.
- This where I added the almond milk. The mixture was too thick and stringy.
- Turn the heat to low and gently stir in the Greek yogurt.
- Add the chicken and ham back to the skillet. The mixture was still a little thick.
- Add more almond milk if needed.
- Serve as desired.
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