Like all the rest of you out there - I find recipes that look interesting, then make a few changes to suit my style of cooking.  This recipe was “personalized” to work for my family, and we’ve decided to keep it and use it again (and again!)

I found several websites with the title of Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu, but the one I found it on originally is stolenmomentscooking.com.  “Deconstructed” sounded a little intense, so I named it for what it is:  Cordon Bleu UN-rolled.  Does anyone really appreciate all that effort anyway?  I think not.

We love chicken cordon bleu, but the thick layer of swiss cheese is really heavy sometimes.  We liked how the cheese is distributed in the sauce and between layers in this version - instead of right in the middle. 

I decided to use Panko bread crumbs - which browned beautifully and stayed crispy... a nice contrasting top layer.  I used ham I had leftover from a big family dinner last weekend, and I sliced it 1/4” thick.  That seemed to act as a protective layer, keeping the chicken beneath it nice and moist.  The Italian seasoning was the finishing touch - mild, but noticeable. 

Ingredients:

1-1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast - cut into large 4-5 bite pieces

salt & pepper to taste

Sliced ham - if you get deli ham, have them slice it very thick for flavor

4 Tbs butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups shredded cheese - swiss, provolone - any white cheese or blend

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 Tbs butter, melted

3/4 - 1 cup panko bread crumbs (or regular bread crumbs)

Directions:

Season chicken with salt & pepper, placing in a baking dish. 

Layer ham on top of chicken. 

In saucepan, or in a pyrex bowl for the microwave - melt 4 Tbs butter and stir in flour. 

Slowly whisk in milk, Italian seasoning, and pepper. 

Bring to a boil, and let slowly boil until thickened - about 3-5 minutes. 

Remove from heat and stir in 1-1/2 cups cheese until melted. 

Pour cheese sauce over chicken and ham. 

Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. 

Melt 1 Tbs butter and stir into the bread crumbs until coated. 

Sprinkle over the cheese. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 35 - 45 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked. 

Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken.