Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

I have to say that I’ve been enjoying the cooler weather.  It’s been making baking and trying new recipes so much easier!  When I found this recipe from Tasty Kitchen, I was super excited to give it a try.  Chicken, ham and melty cheese with a yummy sauce and crunch top…what more could you want!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

1 whole chicken, shredded (about 5 cups)

1/2 pound thinly sliced ham, roughly chopped

1/4 pound thinly sliced swiss cheese

4 tablespoons butter

4 tablespoons flour

3 cups milk

1 1/2 teaspoons corn starch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 1/2 – 3 tablespoons brown spicy mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

4 tablespoons butter

1 1/2 italian seasoned bread crumbs

Preheat your oven to 350°F.  Butter a 9×13 pan and layer your shredded chicken, chopped ham and swiss cheese.
In a sauce pan melt your butter and whisk in your flour and create a rue over medium heat.  Don’t brown the rue, as soon as it starts to bubble around the edges, slowly whisk in your cold milk.  Then add in your corn starch, lemon juice, mustard, salt and pepper.  Continue to whisk frequently until your sauce thickens.  This will take a little bit of time, but don’t turn up your heat…you don’t want it to scorch.  Once your sauce is thickened, pour it over your chicken, cheese and ham.  Make sure you get it covered completely.
Next, melt your butter and mix it with your bread crumbs until they are all moist.  Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges bubble.  Let it cool for 5 – 10 mins before serving.  Enjoy!

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