
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a Swiss dish that features chicken breast rolled around a centre of ham and cheese, which is then coated in breadcrumbs and either fried or baked. It is a popular dish for those on the Weight Watchers program due to its low points value. The dish is typically high in calories and fat, but various recipes offer lighter alternatives that reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavour. These recipes typically substitute some of the traditional ingredients, such as butter, flour, and mayonnaise, and use cooking methods like air frying or baking to reduce the overall points value of the dish.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Weight Watchers Points | 2-6 |
Calories | 296-369 |
Carbohydrates | 12-13g |
Sugars | 2-3g |
Fat | 6.4-11g |
Saturated Fat | 0.9-5g |
Protein | 39-52g |
Cholesterol | 49mg |
Sodium | 718mg |
Potassium | 125mg |
Fiber | 0-0.4g |
Calcium | 42mg |
Iron | 0.4mg |
Weight Watchers Plan | Green, Blue, Purple, Freestyle |
What You'll Learn
Chicken breast is 0 points
Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy option, which is why it is so popular among Weight Watchers. It is low in points, calories, and fat, and can be used in a variety of recipes. For chicken cordon bleu, the chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness, usually about 1/4 inch, and then seasoned with salt and pepper. This is an important step, as it facilitates the rolling process and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
The chicken breast is then wrapped around the ham and cheese filling and secured with toothpicks. This step can be a bit tricky, as you want to ensure the filling is secure and doesn't leak out during cooking. Some recipes recommend using plastic wrap or wax paper to help with this process.
After the chicken is rolled and secured, it is usually coated in a bread crumb mixture and baked or fried. This is where the points can start to add up, as the breading and cooking method can affect the overall point value of the dish. Some recipes suggest using an air fryer or oven-baking the chicken to reduce the calories and points.
Overall, chicken cordon bleu is a tasty and relatively low-point option for those on the Weight Watchers program, thanks to the 0-point chicken breast. It is a simple and elegant dish that can be served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal.
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A full serving is 2 points
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious dish that is surprisingly low in Weight Watchers points. The recipe is simple: flatten chicken breasts, layer with ham and cheese, roll up, and coat with breadcrumbs before baking. The chicken is usually flattened using a meat mallet or rolling pin, and the cheese is typically Swiss, although cottage cheese is also an option.
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a Weight Watchers-friendly dish due to its low points value. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are low points on the Weight Watchers program, and a full serving of cordon bleu has just 2 points. This makes it a great option for those following the Weight Watchers plan.
The dish is also versatile, as it can be served with a variety of sides, from bean stew to steamed salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It can also be adapted to suit different tastes, such as using sun-dried tomatoes, dried mushrooms, or a spoonful of yogurt for a creamy filling.
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty and elegant dish that can be enjoyed as a special treat or a quick weeknight meal. With its low points value, it's a great option for those following Weight Watchers, and the recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and preferences.
Overall, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and Weight Watchers-friendly dish that is simple to make and can be enjoyed as a light and healthy meal.
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Baked cordon bleu is 6 points
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious Swiss dish that is usually made by wrapping chicken around ham and cheese, then breading and frying it. This classic recipe is a little high in calories and fat, but there are ways to lighten it up without compromising on taste.
A baked version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is a great option for those counting their Weight Watchers points, as it is only 6 points per serving. This recipe substitutes the traditional frying method with baking, which saves a lot of calories. The chicken is still wrapped around a centre of ham and cheese, but the use of Panko crumbs for coating gives the impression that the dish has been fried.
The recipe also calls for fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese to be added to the Panko crumbs, enhancing the flavour and keeping the dish interesting. The egg wash is simply made with eggs and water, and the chicken is dipped into this before being rolled in the bread crumb mixture. The dish is then baked in the oven for about half an hour, resulting in a light yet decadent meal.
This baked version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is a fantastic option for those following the Weight Watchers plan, as it is a tasty, elegant dish that is quick to prepare and fits easily into your daily allowance.
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Casserole is 3 points
Chicken Cordon Bleu is usually made with chicken wrapped around ham and cheese, then breaded and fried in oil. This is likely to be high in Weight Watchers points. However, a casserole version of the dish is a great way to cut down on points, as you don't need to fry the chicken. This recipe is simple to prepare and only requires 45 minutes of cooking time.
The recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is as follows: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a mixing bowl, add cream of chicken soup, skim milk, and Dijon mustard, whisking them together. Use a 4-quart casserole dish and spray it with a no-stick cooking spray. Add the cooked chicken to the dish. Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces and add them to the casserole dish. Next, sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese over the chicken and ham. Pour the cream of chicken mixture over the ingredients. Finally, sprinkle bread crumbs over the soup mixture and lightly mist with a no-stick cooking spray. Bake for 45 minutes and enjoy!
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe yields six servings, with each serving being approximately 1 cup and worth 3 WW Freestyle points. This recipe is perfect for those on the Weight Watchers program, as it is tasty, filling, and low in points.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious and healthy option for those looking to enjoy a classic dish while watching their weight. It is a simple recipe that allows you to indulge in a tasty meal without compromising your diet.
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Calories and nutrition info
Chicken cordon bleu is a Swiss dish that is usually made with chicken breast, ham, and Swiss cheese. It is often breaded and fried, but some recipes call for baking or air frying the chicken to reduce the calorie count. The dish is known for being high in protein and relatively low in points on the Weight Watchers program, making it a popular choice for those following the plan.
A traditional chicken cordon bleu recipe that includes frying the chicken in oil can be high in calories and fat. However, some recipes modify the cooking method and ingredients to reduce the calorie and fat content while still retaining the flavour and crispiness of the dish. One such recipe uses an air fryer to cook the chicken, resulting in a healthier dish that is still crispy and delicious. Another recipe bakes the chicken instead of frying it, which can save over 150 calories per serving when compared to a traditional cordon bleu recipe.
The calorie count for chicken cordon bleu can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used. One recipe for baked chicken cordon bleu lists the calories per serving as 311, while another recipe for a fried version of the dish estimates the calories per serving to be 369. The baked version also provides nutritional information for the entire recipe, which serves two people, and lists the total calories as 592.
In addition to being a tasty and relatively low-calorie meal option, chicken cordon bleu is also a good source of protein. The baked version of the dish provides 39 grams of protein per serving, while the fried version offers 52 grams. The dish also includes some carbohydrates, sugars, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, fibre, calcium, and iron, although the amounts of these nutrients can vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.
Chicken cordon bleu is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. It can be paired with roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans, or salad, or even scrambled eggs and beans. It can also be made into a casserole or bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties or busy weeknights. The dish is known for its elegant presentation and gourmet flair, making it suitable for special occasions or dinner parties.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken cordon bleu is a low-points meal, with most recipes ranging from 2 to 6 Weight Watchers points.
The points of a chicken cordon bleu recipe can be affected by the type of cheese used. Swiss cheese is commonly used, but cottage cheese is a lower-points alternative.
Using an air fryer or oven-baking the chicken cordon bleu instead of frying it can reduce the points.
Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with roasted vegetables, green beans, salads, and bean stews.