Chicken Blue Ribbon
A Flavorful Delight Awaits!
Imagine biting into a creamy, cheesy casserole where tender chicken meets savory ham, all topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. What’s not to love? This Chicken Blue Ribbon recipe not only dazzles the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Perfect for cozy nights or unexpected guests, this one-pan treat is bound to grab everyone’s attention!
Why Make This Recipe?
Who wouldn’t love a dish that checks all the right boxes? Here’s why you should whip up this Chicken Blue Ribbon:
- Easy Cleanup: Less time washing dishes means more time lounging on the couch with your favorite show.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fight for the last bite — no bribing necessary!
- Quick and Delicious: You can serve a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Winning! 🏆
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Directions
Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter cup at a time. Whisk until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until thick, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it around.
- Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons softened butter in a bowl and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired) and serve.
How to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon (Overview)
Making Chicken Blue Ribbon is a breeze! First, you’ll layer that juicy shredded chicken, ham, and cheese in a casserole dish. Next comes the creamy sauce – it’s really just butter, milk, and a sprinkle of spices that make it sing. Pour that over the casserole, sprinkle on the Panko goodness, and pop it in the oven. It’s basically like a warm hug on a plate! Pro tip: Don’t be shy with the cheese; it makes everything better. 🧀
How to Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve this beauty straight from the oven for that warm, inviting look. Pair it with a vibrant green salad or some roasted veggies for a pop of color and nutrition. As you slice into it, the cheese stretches, and the aroma wafts through the air, making everyone at the table’s mouth water. Who can resist that crunch from the Panko topping?
How to Store Chicken Blue Ribbon
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just pop it in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheating is simple; just throw a portion in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Easy peasy!
Tips to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon
Want to elevate your Chicken Blue Ribbon game? Check these out:
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for later. Just bake it when ready!
- Mix Up the Meat: Swap ham with turkey or even some sautéed mushrooms for a veggie twist. 🙌
- Flavor Boost: Toss in a handful of spinach or your favorite herbs for extra greenery.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spinach or broccoli to sneak in some veggies. You can even transform it into a lighter version using turkey or chicken sausage instead of ham. The options are endless!
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken instead of shredded?
Absolutely! Just chop it up and layer it as per the recipe.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Store in the fridge for about 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Is it possible to make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a replacement for the all-purpose flour.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer the 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons of flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time. Whisk until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until thick, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it around.
- Combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons of softened butter in a bowl and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired) and serve.
