When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a hearty casserole that warms the soul and brings a smile to your face. Imagine a dish that combines succulent shredded chicken, savory black forest ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy, dreamy sauce topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. That dish is my Chicken Blue Ribbon, a recipe that’s been a staple in my home for years! It’s one of those go-to meals that’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something delicious.
If you’ve ever found yourself rifling through the fridge, wondering what to make with leftover chicken, this recipe is your golden ticket. The inspiration? A delightful blend of flavors that just feels so right together—the kind that makes you want to dive in with a fork right away. Plus, it’s easy peasy! Let’s dash into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole is not just another chicken dish—it’s an explosion of flavor in every bite. The marriage between the tender chicken and rich black forest ham creates a harmony that sings on your palate, while the Swiss cheese melts into a luscious blanket of gooey goodness. The sauce, oh the sauce! It envelops each ingredient, tying it all together with a creamy texture that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Let me share a little secret: It’s all about that careful layering of the flavors. The addition of garlic powder, a hint of nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne elevate this dish from simple to sensational—transforming an ordinary meal into a showstopper. And the best part? It cooks up in one dish, cutting down on cleanup time—perfect for when you want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. So, why not whip this up tonight? Your tastebuds will thank you!
Gather These Ingredients
Now, let’s gather the magic potions for this culinary masterpiece. Here’s what you’ll need:
5 cups shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or poach some chicken breasts if you prefer a home-cooked touch. Just make sure to shred it nicely for even distribution in the casserole.
9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham: Cut into strips, this ham adds that deli flair and savory depth you can’t resist. You want the good stuff—look for a quality brand at the deli counter if you can.
8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is a star here! Look for thin slices—about 12—so they melt beautifully over the ham. You could swap it for Gruyere for a fancier touch, if you’re feeling indulgent!
6 Tablespoons unsalted butter: We’re using this in two parts—first for the sauce, then for the Panko topping, so don’t skimp on the goodness!
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard: This brings an unexpected tang to the sauce, cutting through the richness beautifully. You could use whole grain mustard if you want a bit more texture.
1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional): A burst of brightness that really takes the flavor profile up a notch. Don’t skip if you love citrus!
1 teaspoon garlic powder: This is your gateway to aromatic deliciousness. Embrace it wholeheartedly—it adds a warm undertone that’s hard to resist.
½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering them, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): If you’re aiming for a bit of warmth and sophistication, add this. It gives a delightful depth.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Spice lovers, rejoice! A touch of heat can elevate the entire dish, but don’t worry if you’re not into spice.
6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: This is the thickening agent for your sauce, creating that luscious, creamy element we all crave.
3 cups whole milk: Full-fat milk will give the sauce the richness it deserves. If you prefer a lower fat version, feel free to substitute with a plant-based milk like oat or almond (just note it may alter the flavor a bit).
1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs: A must for that satisfying crunch on top! If you only have regular breadcrumbs, they’ll work in a pinch, but Panko has that perfect texture.
4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: This is to mix with your Panko for that golden, buttery topping.
Chopped parsley (optional): For garnishing—this adds a pop of color and a fresh finish to your dish.
How This Recipe Comes Together
Alright, let’s cook! Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish, giving it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks (trust me, you’ll thank me later).
Start by evenly spreading those 5 cups of shredded chicken across the bottom of the baking dish like a warm, inviting bed.
Next up, layer the sliced black forest ham strips over the chicken, making sure to cover it all. It’s all about that harmony, my friend!
Now, the Swiss cheese—lay those lovely, thin slices atop the ham, overlapping them slightly to create cheesy bliss.
In a small saucepan, melt your 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the Dijon mustard and the lemon juice (if you’re using it) until combined. Then add in the garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Such a fragrant delight!
Sprinkle in your 6 Tablespoons of flour and whisk until it forms a lovely paste. Now, this magical moment: gradually add 3 cups of whole milk in ¼ cup increments, whisking vigorously after each addition until smooth. You want it creamy, not lumpy!
Allow your sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens. This is when things start to get exciting!
Pour that sumptuous sauce evenly over the cheese layer, trying to cover all the nooks and crannies.
For your topping, combine the 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with the 4 Tablespoons of softened butter in a small bowl, mixing until the crumbs are coated. Spread the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole like a cozy blanket.
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is gloriously golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. Trust me; this little moment makes all the difference in setting that sauce perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if you like, and get ready to dive in!
How to Plate and Pair
The best way to enjoy your Chicken Blue Ribbon is still warm from the oven. It’s best served in generous scoops, letting those layers of flavors cascade onto the plate. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette—something fresh to contrast the richness of the casserole. Alternatively, some roasted veggies or garlic bread would be delightful companions too!
And don’t forget, a cheeky glass of white wine or a cold beer can elevate your dining experience even further. But hey, if you want a cozy night in, enjoy it right from the dish while curled up on the couch.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftovers? Yes, please! Storing Chicken Blue Ribbon is easy. If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to indulge again, just reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
You can also freeze this beauty if you want to meal prep! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
Shred chicken efficiently: Use a hand mixer to shred your cooked chicken effortlessly—it’s a game changer!
Cheese substitutions: Want to mix things up? Try Gruyere or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Thicken faster: If time is of the essence, a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) can thicken your sauce more quickly.
Add veggies: Sneak in some cooked spinach or mushrooms when layering for extra nutrients and flavor.
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for cooked quinoa or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of milk for a vegetarian variant.
Your Questions Answered
- How long does it take to prepare?: Prep time is around 20-30 minutes, with baking taking an additional 30-40 minutes.
- Can I make it ahead?: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
- What to serve it with?: Consider crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even roasted vegetables.
- Is it freezer-friendly?: Yes! Just make sure it’s well-wrapped.
- Can I use different meats?: Absolutely! Substitute cooked turkey or even a plant-based meat for a different take.
So there you have it—the ultimate Chicken Blue Ribbon recipe, ready to turn your dinner into a memorable occasion. I challenge you to bring this dish to life in your kitchen and take a moment to savor the rich aromas that fill the air. Remember, cooking is about love, flavor, and a little experimentation. Dive into this recipe, sprinkle in your own flair, and share your journey with me—after all, we’re in this delicious ride together!
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of shredded chicken, savory black forest ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Directions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.Layer Chicken
Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.Layer Ham
Layer the black forest ham strips over the chicken.Add Cheese
Lay Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham, overlapping slightly.Prepare Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Add garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne, then whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisk until thick.Let it simmer for about 4 minutes.Combine
Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer.Prepare Topping
Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter in a bowl, then cover the casserole with the mixture.Bake
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 75mg25%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 35g12%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 15 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 10 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
