Cheesy Creamy Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Ingredients

• 4 large, thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 T olive oil
• 1 tsp. poultry seasoning
• Salt to taste
• 4 slices ham, cut in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces to lay on top of a chicken breast
• 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces to lay on top of each slice of ham
• 1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan
• 8 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes and softened at room temperature until it can be beaten with a whisk
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Directions

1. Heat the oven to 375F/190C. Cut the cream cheese into cubes, set it in a bowl or a roomy measuring cup, and let it come to room temperature while you get the chicken ready.
2. Trim away fat and any bits you do not want from the chicken breasts. Slice each breast lengthwise so it turns into 2 thin cutlets, then season 1 side of each piece with a pinch of poultry seasoning.
3. Warm the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook it for 2 minutes on each side, then move the pieces to paper towels laid out on the counter. If your pan is enormous, you may fit all 8 pieces at the same time; otherwise, cook them in 2 batches.
4. Cover the chicken with another layer of paper towels and press gently to soak up extra moisture. As the chicken cooks, slice the ham and Swiss lengthwise so you end up with 8 pieces of each.
5. Arrange the chicken in a large baking dish. A 10" x 14" dish works well, but use two dishes if that is what it takes to fit everything comfortably.
6. Top each chicken piece with a piece of ham, then add a piece of Swiss over the ham.
7. Check the cream cheese to make sure it is soft enough to whisk. If it is still too firm, microwave it for 20-30 seconds. Whisk the chicken stock into the cream cheese, then whisk in the sour cream, mayo, Dijon, and finally the Parmesan. The sauce should be thick.
8. With a rubber scraper, spread the sauce across the chicken. Scatter the other 1/2 cup grated Parmesan over the top.
9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the whole dish is hot and bubbling and the top is beginning to brown.
10. Serve hot, then accept the compliments gracefully. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for several days and may be warmed in the microwave, or in a covered dish in the oven or toaster oven.