Chicken Cordon Bleu & Rice Casserole

A very versatile recipe that I found in one of my favorite brand name cookbooklets. Other flavors of fast-cooking rice mixes can be used, almonds or cranberries would add a nice zip as well as sliced mushrooms.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 4  cups boiling water
• 2  small carrots, shredded (1 cup)
• 2  tablespoons butter or 2  tablespoons margarine
• 2 (6 ounce) packages  chicken-flavor long grain wild rice mix, fast cooking
• 8  boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 pounds)
• 4  slices ham, fully cooked, cut in half (1/8 inch thick)
• 4  slices swiss cheese, cut in half

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Add water, carrots, butter, and rice mix to baking dish. Place chicken on rice mixture and top with ham.
3. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and thickest pieces of chicken are no longer pink when cut.
4. Place cheese on ham slices and bake uncovered 3 to 4 minutes longer or until cheese melts.