Michael's Bacon-wrapped BBQ Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those recipes that feels super fancy but doesn’t actually take a ton of effort. It can be pricey if ordering at a restaurant, but at home it can be made on a budget!  In this case, I have combined the concept with a Monterey Cheese Chicken recipe from a friend, but using our families favorite cheese:  Muenster!

I've made this a few times for my family, and it has quickly became a favorite.  And its easy to make!

Serve it alongside either baked or garlic mashed potatoes, and your favorite vegetables (asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a skillet of sliced sautéed zucchini and squash), and you'll have a great dinner to feed your family or impress your guests!

Ingredients:

• Boneless Chicken Breasts
• Ham: Any flavor of deli ham works well.
• Bacon Slices (one for each chicken breast)
• Muenster Cheese (Alternatively use Swiss, which is more traditional)
• Barbeque Sauce
• Tomatoes and green onions (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Brown each Chicken breast slightly, and lightly cook bacon (it will complete cooking in the oven).

Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle of the breast, taking care to not cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book.

Optional: Depending on your level of perfectionism, you can lay each chicken breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer.  (I don't usually worry about this step)

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper (or a sprinkling of McCormick's Season-All or Mrs. Dash spice blend). Place a slice of ham and slice of muenster cheese (or Swiss) on each chicken breast.

Gently fold over each chicken breast; wrap each chicken creation with a "healthy" slice of bacon.  Hold in place with a toothpick.

Arrange completed chicken breasts in a glass baking dish; pour desired amount of favorite BBQ sauce over each chicken breast, using a basting brush to spread evenly. 

Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Sprinkle optional tomatoes and green onions before serving