Every Day Chicken Cordon Bleu

I love chicken cordon bleu and before I had kids I used to make it often. Now that I have 2 little ones to chase around I try to simplify things as much as possible and make easier meals. We don't eat a lot of casseroles, but I really love this one. It has all the flavor of traditional chicken cordon bleu but a lot more ease.

for the chicken:
4 cups water
2 bay leaves
1 onion, quartered
8 peppercorns
1/2 tsp. salt
2 small chicken breast halves

for the sauce:
2 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. butter
1 1/2 - 2 cups skim milk
1 cup low-fat Swiss cheese, shredded

1 pkg. Chicken flavored Stove Top stuffing
1 cup cooked ham, cubed
1/3 - 1/2 cup low-fat Swiss cheese, shredded

Place the water and the rest of the ingredients for the chicken in a large pot on the stove. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for 45 minutes. Drain chicken and let cool. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

Near the end of cooking time for the chicken, preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare stuffing according to package directions and set aside.

For the sauce, melt the butter in a medium sauce pot. Add the flour and whisk together. Let bubble for about a minute. Add the milk, whisking constantly. Bring to a boil and allow to thicken. Take off heat and add 1 cup cheese.

Add chicken and ham to cheese sauce and toss to coat. Pour into an 8 1/2 x 11 inch rectangular baking pan. Spread stuffing on top and sprinkle with remaining 1/3 cup of shredded. Bake in oven, uncovered for about 15 minutes.