Name: Chicken Blue Ribbon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened; Chopped parsley (optional)

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why make this recipe

Chicken Blue Ribbon is a delightful dish that combines savory shredded chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, all baked together with a creamy sauce and topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is needed. It’s simple to make and is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and hearty texture.

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 shredded chicken into the baking dish.
Evenly layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips, over the chicken.
Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices to fit into the casserole dish.
Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed 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 all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a paste.
Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth, before adding the next bit of milk.
Once all the milk has been added, allow it to simmer for 4 minutes or until the sauce has thickened (whisking occasionally).
Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly around as best as possible, making sure to get in all the corners.
Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature, in a small bowl and spread this mixture evenly over the casserole dish as your final layer.
Bake in the oven uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.

how to serve Chicken Blue Ribbon

Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon warm right out of the oven. It goes great with a side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also pair it with rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

how to store Chicken Blue Ribbon

To store leftovers, let the Chicken Blue Ribbon cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.

tips to make Chicken Blue Ribbon

Make sure to shred the chicken evenly for a better texture.
If you prefer a spicy kick, add more cayenne pepper or even some chopped jalapeños.
To save time, you can use a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.

variation

For a lighter version, you can swap out the cream sauce with a low-fat milk or broth. You can also try using smoked turkey or a different type of cheese like cheddar for a twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding and layering in the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.

What can I serve with Chicken Blue Ribbon?
It pairs nicely with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or baked potatoes. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.