why make this recipe
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all topped with a crunchy Panko breadcrumb layer. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy dinner at home. The combination of flavors is sure to please everyone at the table, making it a great option for both special occasions and everyday meals.
how to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
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:
- 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 black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- 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 garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add 6 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth each time.
- Let the sauce simmer for 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 Tablespoons of softened butter and mix well.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
how to serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon warm right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.
how to store Chicken Blue Ribbon
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
tips to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding more cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick!
- Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously while adding the milk to avoid lumps.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Additionally, you can swap the Swiss cheese for cheddar or mozzarella if you prefer a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken from leftovers?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time and reduce waste.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
3. Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken Blue Ribbon. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing and reheat it thoroughly when you’re ready to eat.
Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 9 ounces deli-style 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 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 black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- 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 garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Add 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth each time.
- Let the sauce simmer for 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened butter and mix well.
- Spread the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered in the oven for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Adjust spices to your taste; adding more cayenne pepper can provide a nice kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg