Chicken Blue Ribbon is a hearty and delicious casserole that combines tender shredded chicken, savory black forest ham, and gooey Swiss cheese. Topped with a crispy Panko crust, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s satisfying and flavorful, making it a favorite among many home cooks.
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Why make this recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare and makes a big batch, so it’s great for feeding a crowd. The combination of ingredients creates a creamy, cheesy filling that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy topping. Plus, it showcases simple, accessible ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
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 the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer the black forest ham strips over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the ham, overlapping them as needed.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in the flour and keep whisking until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking well after each addition until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the softened butter and spread this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Chicken Blue Ribbon
A hearty casserole featuring shredded chicken, black forest ham, and Swiss cheese topped with a crispy Panko crust, perfect for family dinners.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
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 unsalted butter, softened
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- 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 black forest ham strips over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the ham, overlapping them as needed.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in the flour and keep whisking until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking well after each addition until smooth.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the softened butter and spread this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Notes
Use leftover chicken to save time and feel free to add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 435
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
How to serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables. You can also enjoy it with rice or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
How to store Chicken Blue Ribbon
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.
Tips to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use leftover chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more nutrition.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste—add more cayenne for heat or skip the nutmeg if you prefer.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella. You can also substitute the ham with turkey or even skip the meat for a vegetarian option by adding more veggies.
For similar flavors, check out this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Blue Ribbon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it when you’re ready.
2. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and Panko breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch. Drain it well before using it in the recipe.
Conclusion
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal that’s simple to make and delightful to eat. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this casserole is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy the process of making it and the joy of sharing it with others!
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