Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Components

01 - 5 cups shredded chicken
02 - 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips
03 - 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese

→ For the Sauce

04 - 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
07 - 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
08 - 3 cups whole milk

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 - ½ teaspoon salt
11 - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
12 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

→ Topping

13 - 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
14 - 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 - Chopped parsley (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Layer shredded chicken, ham strips, and Swiss cheese in a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
02 - Make a roux with butter and flour, add seasonings, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened, about 4 minutes.
03 - Pour sauce over layers, then top with mixture of Panko breadcrumbs and softened butter.
04 - Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

# Notes:

01 - Let casserole rest to set the sauce
02 - Ensure Panko topping browns for best texture
03 - Can customize with optional seasonings