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Close-up of a prize-winning Chicken Blue Ribbon breed in a backyard setting

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
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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.