No Stuffing, No Stress—Just Delicious!
Typically by this point in the holiday season, the whole house is sick of ham. But there's always more ham in the fridge. We needed to get a little more creative with the dinner menu, ensuring the ham (and anything else left from marathon holiday meals) doesn't go to waste.
We have never met someone who disliked chicken cordon bleu. We have also never met anyone who truly enjoyed the process of making chicken cordon bleu. As a direct result of this, we have decided to create an un-stuffed, un-breaded, non-traditional take on a chicken cordon bleu. A casserole... which also happens to use up the remaining carrots, partial brick of cheese and nearly empty carton of heavy cream we had lingering in the fridge.
Ingredients:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
8-10 slices of leftover holiday ham
3/4 cup shredded carrots
5-6 ounces cheese, grated (recommend Swiss but can be any strong cheese)
1/4 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon rosemary
1/2 teaspoon celery salt
Black pepper to taste
Tools:
Large Dutch oven or stovetop safe casserole dish
Cheese grater
Cutting board
Knife
Serving spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
In your Dutch oven, melt down the four tablespoons of butter over medium low heat. Measure in your minced garlic and allow it to heat until fragrant.
We started with ready to eat matchstick carrots, but in the event you are starting with whole carrots, please wash your produce! And then proceed to chop or shred in your desired fashion. Add the carrots to the garlic and butter.
Tear or cut your pre-cooked ham slices to your desired size and set them aside; we'll add them in a few minutes.
Increase the heat under the pan to medium. Stir to prevent sticking.
Rough chop your chicken into one inch pieces, trimming off and discarding any fatty bits you might encounter. Push the carrots to one side and add the chicken to the Dutch oven. Cover the pan and allow the chicken to cook for five to eight minutes (wait for the color to change).
While you wait for the chicken pieces to cook through, shred your cheese into a small container. Swiss is the traditional choice for a cordon bleu, but no one says traditional is the only option. We're big fans of using up what we have. As such, we shredded a bunch of sharp cheese we've lost the label for in the hectic holiday rush. This house likes sharp, tangy cheeses - but please adjust for your own family's preferences.
Remove the lid, give everything a stir, and sprinkle in the rosemary, celery salt and ground mustard. Crack in some fresh black pepper, as much or as little as you like. Add the ham pieces to the pan, and then stir everything again. Measure in the heavy cream, sprinkle the shredded cheese over top, and transfer the uncovered Dutch oven to the oven.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated from the cream and the cheese has melted and begun to bubble. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before attempting to serve.
We served ours over some wide egg noodles and with a side of mixed vegetables (because just one veggie is never enough).
If you're looking for more ways to use up those holiday leftovers, let this dish inspire your creativity. Think of it as a blueprint for transforming what's in your fridge into something comforting and satisfying. Swap out the ham for turkey, leftover roast beef, or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Experiment with different cheeses to keep things interesting—Gruyère, sharp cheddar, or even a smoky gouda can take this dish in an entirely new direction. Don’t be afraid to add a handful of fresh spinach or kale for a pop of color and a boost of nutrients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—it’s your chance to make something uniquely suited to your family’s tastes while keeping food waste to a minimum.
We know that post-holiday cleanup isn't limited to food. Your kitchen appliances have likely been working overtime, and now is the perfect time to give them a little TLC. Did your oven take longer than expected to preheat during those marathon baking sessions? Or did your stovetop struggle to keep up with the gravy and sauces? Even small inefficiencies can add up over time. That’s where our team at Appliance Rescue Service comes in. Whether it’s a quick fix or a more involved repair, we’re here to ensure your appliances are operating at their best, so you can continue creating meals that bring warmth and joy to your home. Because when your appliances are in good hands, so is your kitchen—and, ultimately, your holiday memories.
Call: (214) 599-0055