Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a comforting and satisfying dish that blends tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and it’s sure to impress your guests. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to make, which makes it a great choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
How to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients:
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 9 ounces sliced 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 softened unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced black forest ham on top of the chicken.
- Place the sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices.
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Combine the Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
How to Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon warm from the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also offer some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Chicken Blue Ribbon
To store leftovers, allow the Chicken Blue Ribbon to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on shredding.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like cheddar or provolone, for varied flavors.
- Add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
Variation
You can make a different version of this dish by swapping the black forest ham for turkey or adding different spices to the sauce. Consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw and shred it before adding it to the casserole.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour as substitutes.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole beforehand, cover it, and refrigerate it. Bake it when you are ready to serve.
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Sauce Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional) Can be omitted if desired
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) Can be omitted if desired
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Can be adjusted for heat preference
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
Topping
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley (optional) For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced black forest ham on top of the chicken.
- Place the sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices.
Making the Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- Combine the Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
