why make this recipe
This dish mixes shredded chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce. It melts together and makes a warm, filling meal. It is easy to make for a family dinner or a potluck.
introduction
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a baked casserole with a rich sauce and a crunchy Panko top. It uses simple ingredients you may already have. If you like hearty chicken bakes, try our garlic parmesan chicken meatloaves for another easy main dish idea.
how to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread 5 cups shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
- Layer 9 ounces sliced Black Forest ham (cut into strips) over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional).
- Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk to form a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a little at a time, whisking until smooth each time.
- Let the sauce simmer about 4 minutes, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese and spread it to reach the corners.
- Mix 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons softened butter in a small bowl. Spread the crumb mix over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the Panko turns golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
Ingredients :
- 5 cups shredded chicken.
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices).
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices).
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional).
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
- ½ teaspoon salt.
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional).
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional).
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour.
- 3 cups whole milk.
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs.
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- Chopped parsley (optional).
Directions :
Follow the steps in "how to make Chicken Blue Ribbon" above. The main points are to build the layers, make a smooth white sauce, top with buttered Panko, and bake until hot and golden.
how to serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve warm. It goes well with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or buttered rice. Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before scooping so the sauce holds.
how to store Chicken Blue Ribbon
Cool the casserole to room temperature within two hours. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 350°F until hot, or heat single portions in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze the baked casserole in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to save time.
- Warm the milk slightly before adding to the flour mixture to help it blend smooth.
- Stir the sauce often while thickening to avoid lumps.
- Press the Panko and butter together so the topping browns evenly.
- If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil and finish baking.
variation (if any)
- Add cooked mushrooms or peas to the chicken layer for more vegetables.
- Swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor.
- Use low-fat milk for a lighter sauce, but it may be a bit thinner.
- Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary for an herb note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Use about 5 cups shredded.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if cold.
Q: What if I do not have Panko?
A: Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. The top will be less crisp but still tasty.
Q: Can I skip the ham for a milder dish?
A: Yes. Leave out the ham for a plain chicken and cheese casserole. Add extra cheese or veggies if you like.
Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty baked casserole combining shredded chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce topped with crunchy Panko. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 9 ounces sliced Black Forest ham, cut into strips
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
- Layer the sliced Black Forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne.
- Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk to form a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk, whisking until smooth. Let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese and spread it evenly.
- Mix the Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons softened butter in a bowl and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the Panko is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve.
Notes
For a variation, add cooked mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables, or substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère or cheddar for different flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
