Chicken Blue Ribbon is a delightful casserole dish that combines tender shredded chicken, velvety cheese, and flavorful ham, all topped with a crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust. This dish is excellent for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that leave everyone coming back for seconds. It’s not just comforting food; it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can easily be made in advance.
Why Make This Chicken Blue Ribbon
This Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole shines with its rich flavor and simple preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The layers of shredded chicken, savory black forest ham, and melted Swiss cheese come together harmoniously, while the creamy sauce and crispy topping elevate the entire dish. It’s warming, filling, and has an impressive presentation that will have your guests asking for the recipe. Plus, it comes together in one dish, which means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
How to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon
Creating this Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole is straightforward and requires minimal cooking skills. With common ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this fantastic dish in no time at all. The layers not only look beautiful but also create a delicious medley of flavors in every bite.
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 of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips, over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the slices to cover the dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon of freshly squeezed 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 all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
- 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, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons of softened butter, then spread this mixture evenly over the casserole as the final layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
How to Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve this Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole hot straight from the oven for the best experience. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. For family gatherings or potlucks, consider serving it alongside bread rolls or garlic bread for a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Chicken Blue Ribbon
You can store any leftover Chicken Blue Ribbon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Cooked Chicken: For extra flavor, use leftover rotisserie chicken or chicken that has been seasoned and cooked.
- Cheese Alternatives: If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, feel free to swap it for provolone or mozzarella.
- Add Veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach to the layers.
- Make It Spicy: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste if you enjoy a little heat.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Use shredded cooked mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables instead of chicken and ham for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Different Meats: Try swapping in turkey or chicken sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Herbed Cheese: For more flavor, consider mixing in some herbed cream cheese with the sauce or using flavored Panko crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Blue Ribbon ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving for fresh, hot results.
Can I use different types of milk?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat milk, almond milk, or any non-dairy milk, but keep in mind this may alter the flavor and creaminess slightly.
What can I serve with Chicken Blue Ribbon?
This dish goes well with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or even mashed potatoes for a filling meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a heartwarming and flavorful casserole that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Its layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs make for a meal that is both satisfying and enjoyable. We encourage you to try this recipe for your next family dinner or gathering—it’s sure to impress! Don’t forget to share your experience and connect with others who love home cooking!
Chicken Blue Ribbon Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips, over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the slices to cover the dish.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed 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 all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
- 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, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 tablespoons of softened butter, then spread this mixture evenly over the casserole as the final layer.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.