Chicken Blue Ribbon

What Makes This Recipe a Favorite

Chicken Blue Ribbon offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese, making it a comforting meal. The crispy topping adds a satisfying crunch, appealing to many taste buds.

This recipe works well because it uses straightforward cooking methods. You layer the ingredients, create a simple sauce, and bake until bubbly and golden. Related recipes like Creamy Chicken Casserole and Cheesy Chicken Bake also deliver great taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Use these ingredients to make Chicken Blue Ribbon.

• Shredded chicken: This forms the base of the dish and adds protein.
• Black forest ham: The ham brings savory flavors that complement the chicken.
• Swiss cheese: It melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture.
• Unsalted butter: Used for the sauce and the topping, adding richness.
• Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy kick to the sauce.
• Lemon juice (optional): Enhances flavor with a bit of brightness.
• Garlic powder: Adds depth to the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Nutmeg (optional): Adds warmth to the flavors.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): Brings a hint of heat if desired.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• Whole milk: Creates a rich sauce.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy topping.

Measurements are in the recipe card.

How to Make This Chicken Blue Ribbon

Making Chicken Blue Ribbon is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious dish.

Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Add the chicken
Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.

Step 3: Layer the ham
Evenly layer 9 ounces of sliced black forest ham over the chicken. Cut the ham into strips for easy layering.

Step 4: Add cheese
Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping it to fit the dish.

Step 5: Make the sauce
Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.

Step 6: Thicken the sauce
Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a paste. Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, mixing after each addition until smooth. Allow to simmer for 4 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Bake the casserole
Pour the sauce over the cheese layer. Combine 1½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened butter, then spread it over the casserole. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Follow these tips for the best results.

1. Use rotisserie chicken: This saves time and adds great flavor.
2. Don’t skip the sauce: It binds the ingredients and adds creaminess.
3. Let it sit: Waiting 5 minutes before serving helps the sauce set.
4. Cover if browning too quickly: Use foil to keep the top from burning.
5. Experiment with cheeses: Different cheeses can change the flavor profile.

This will help ensure a successful meal.

Equipment Needed

• Oven
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with cooked vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms.
• Spicy version: Add extra cayenne pepper for a hotter dish.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the sauce and topping.

Serving Suggestions

• Simple salad: A fresh green salad pairs nicely with the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic bread: This adds a nice crunch and complements the meal.
• Steamed vegetables: Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for color and nutrition.

FAQs About This Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Bake before serving.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
You can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese as alternatives.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Chicken Blue Ribbon?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do I know when it’s done?
The casserole is done when it’s bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Chicken Blue Ribbon

A delightful mix of tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese with a crispy topping, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 cups Shredded chicken This forms the base of the dish and adds protein.
• 9 ounces Black forest ham Brings savory flavors that complement the chicken.
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese Melts beautifully, creating a creamy texture.
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted butter Used for the sauce and the topping, adding richness.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Provides a tangy kick to the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice Optional, enhances flavor with a bit of brightness.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Adds depth to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg Optional, adds warmth to the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional, brings a hint of heat if desired.
• 6 tablespoons All-purpose flour Thickens the sauce for a creamy consistency.
• 3 cups Whole milk Creates a rich sauce.
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs Adds a crunchy topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
3. Evenly layer 9 ounces of sliced black forest ham over the chicken, cut into strips for easy layering.
4. Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping it to fit the dish.

Sauce Preparation

1. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
3. Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
4. Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, mixing after each addition until smooth. Allow to simmer for 4 minutes until thickened.

Baking

1. Pour the sauce over the cheese layer.
2. Combine 1½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened butter, then spread it over the casserole.
3. Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for time-saving and great flavor. Don't skip the sauce as it binds the ingredients and adds creaminess. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Cover with foil if browning too quickly. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.