Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh Ingredients: This dish features shredded chicken and rich Swiss cheese, making for a delicious blend of flavors that feels homemade.
Ease of Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip this recipe up even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and ham, this casserole not only tastes great but provides you with essential nutrients.
Versatility: You can serve this as a comforting dinner, or make it for special occasions and potlucks.
Presentation: The bubbling cheese and golden breadcrumb topping create a mouthwatering visual that is sure to impress your guests.

In short, it’s a dish that checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and heartiness.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30-40 minutes

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
Layer 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the slices to fit into the dish.
In a saucepan, melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using).
Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour and continue whisking until it forms a paste.
Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, ¼ cup at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until smooth.
Allow the mixture to simmer for 4 minutes, whisking occasionally until it thickens.
Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons of softened butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole as the final layer.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.

How to Serve

Presentation: Serve the casserole in the baking dish to show off the golden topping and bubbly cheese.
Accompaniments: Pair with a fresh green salad or vegetable side for balance.
Portions: Cut into squares for easy serving, making it ideal for gatherings.
Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing touch.

This dish is perfect for sharing and will leave everyone wanting more!

Additional Tips

For flavor enhancement, consider adding chopped herbs like thyme or basil to the sauce.
Customize by using turkey or chicken sausage instead of ham for a lighter option.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Different Cheeses: Swap out Swiss cheese for cheddar or pepper jack to change the flavor profile.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
Herbed Breadcrumbs: Mix in dried herbs like oregano or Italian seasoning with the breadcrumbs for an extra punch.

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Freezing: To freeze, cool the casserole completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

9×13-inch casserole dish
Medium saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Nonstick cooking spray
Baking tray

FAQ’s

Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, you can use frozen shredded chicken. Just make sure to thaw it properly before using it in the recipe.
Is this recipe healthy? Yes, it offers lean protein and can be made lighter by using low-fat dairy options.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
How can I customize this recipe? Feel free to change the meats, cheeses, or add vegetables to fit your tastes.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker? Yes, you can layer the ingredients and cook on low for about 4 hours, but it may not get as crispy on top.

Conclusion

In summary, Chicken Blue Ribbon is a delightful and hearty dish that combines flavor, comfort, and nutrition in every bite. With easy preparation steps and an eye-catching presentation, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re serving friends or family, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cravings. So gather your ingredients and get cookin’!