Chicken Blue Ribbon is a delicious and hearty dish that transforms shredded chicken into a comforting casserole layered with savory black forest ham and creamy Swiss cheese. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress without the fuss. This recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Chicken Blue Ribbon special? Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it also checks all the boxes for being budget-friendly and easy to prepare. With a minimal ingredient list and straightforward steps, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something delicious but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The unique combination of tender chicken, smoky ham, and rich cheese creates a flavor profile that everyone loves, including picky eaters!
“This Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole has become a staple in our home! It’s so creamy and comforting—perfect for chilly nights!” — Amanda T.
The cooking process explained
Creating Chicken Blue Ribbon is a breeze! Begin by layering shredded chicken at the bottom of a greased casserole dish, followed by strips of ham and layers of Swiss cheese. Then, you’ll make a creamy sauce straight from the stovetop that thickens beautifully, enveloping everything in a flavorful embrace. Top it off with crispy Panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. In less than an hour, you’ll have a dish that is bubbling, golden-brown, and utterly tempting.
Gather these items
To whip up this mouthwatering Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole, you’ll need the following 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, for garnish)
These ingredients are often staple items, and feel free to get creative if you’d like to swap certain elements based on what you have on hand!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the strips of black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese on top of the ham, overlapping the slices to ensure full coverage.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, the optional lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Add 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking until it forms a thick paste.
- Gradually add in the 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking to keep the mixture smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour this creamy sauce evenly over the cheese layer, ensuring the corners are covered well.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter, then sprinkle this evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the Panko is golden.
- Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with parsley if you choose.
Best ways to enjoy it
Chicken Blue Ribbon is delightful on its own, but pairing it with fresh sides elevates the meal. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad for added freshness or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Garlic bread complements the creamy casserole nicely, perfect for scooping up every last bite. And if you’re entertaining, this dish makes for impressive leftovers—perfectly suited for lunch the next day!
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers—or if you’re clever and prepping in advance—storing Chicken Blue Ribbon is easy! Allow it to cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. You can keep the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked casserole. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Pro chef tips
Here are a few quick tips to enhance your Chicken Blue Ribbon experience:
- Experiment with different cheeses! Gruyère or cheddar can add a unique twist.
- For a bit of extra flavor, sauté onions or mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour.
- If you prefer a healthier option, use Greek yogurt in place of some of the milk for added creaminess without all the calories.
Creative twists
Feel free to customize your Chicken Blue Ribbon with variations that suit your flavors!
- Swap out the black forest ham for smoked turkey or even bacon for smokiness.
- Add some steamed broccoli or spinach into the layers to sneak in more veggies.
- Spice it up with jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who prefer a little heat.
Your questions answered
- What is the prep time for Chicken Blue Ribbon? Prep time is about 20 minutes, making it a great choice for a quick meal.
- Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken in this recipe? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this casserole and saves you even more time.
- Is there a way to make this healthier? Yes, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to make it lighter.
- Can I freeze the Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole? Yes! Assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
- How do I reheat the leftovers? You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven until bubbling again.
- What happens if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs? Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, but Panko gives a crispier texture!
- Can I omit the Dijon mustard? Yes, but the mustard enhances the overall flavor profile, so consider using at least half the amount.
- How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? Make sure it is covered while reheating, and add a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess.
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. Give this crowd-pleaser a try—you and your family will be glad you did!
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Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting casserole layered with shredded chicken, black forest ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs.
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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly at the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the strips of black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese on top of the ham, overlapping the slices for full coverage.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Add 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking until it forms a thick paste.
- Gradually add in the whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking to keep the mixture smooth.
- Simmer the sauce for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it thickens.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the cheese layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 4 tablespoons of softened butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the Panko is golden.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with parsley if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
