INTRODUCTION
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a creamy, comforting casserole that brings together tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all topped with a crunchy Panko breadcrumb layer. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or potlucks. It is hearty and satisfying, making it an all-time favorite for many.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love Chicken Blue Ribbon because it is incredibly easy to make. You can put it together in a short amount of time and bake it for a delicious meal. The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese is delightful, and the creamy sauce adds richness that balances the flavors. Plus, the crispy Panko topping gives a satisfying crunch. This dish is appealing to both kids and adults, making it a hit at the dinner table.
HOW TO MAKE Chicken Blue Ribbon
Follow this simple step-by-step guide to make your own Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole. It is straightforward, allowing anyone, regardless of cooking experience, to prepare this dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Chicken Blue Ribbon, you will need the following kitchen tools:
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula or spoon for mixing
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Evenly spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken into the baking dish.
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Layer the 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips over the chicken.
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Place the 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham. Overlap the cheese slices to fit into the casserole dish.
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Melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
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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).
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Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a smooth paste.
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Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk, one quarter of a cup at a time. Whisk after each addition until the mixture is smooth before adding the next bit of milk.
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Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until it thickens, whisking occasionally.
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Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly, making sure to reach all the corners.
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In a small bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 Tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Mix well and spread this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole dish as the final topping.
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Bake in the oven uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce bubbles and the Panko topping is golden brown.
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Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
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HOW TO SERVE Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon hot from the oven. You can scoop it out into bowls or serve it directly from the dish. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with bread or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnishing with chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and elevates the dish’s presentation.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Chicken Blue Ribbon
You can store leftover Chicken Blue Ribbon in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as needed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Chicken Blue Ribbon is a flexible dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a green salad for freshness.
- Serve it with brown rice or quinoa for an extra boost of nutrition.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables for color and flavor.
- Offer some garlic bread on the side for a hearty meal.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to customize Chicken Blue Ribbon. Consider these variations:
- Use different meats, like turkey or cooked pork, instead of chicken.
- Swap Swiss cheese for cheddar or provolone for a different flavor.
- Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to the dish for added nutrients.
- Experiment with different seasonings, like Italian herbs or Cajun spices, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred it and use it in place of cooked chicken. -
What can I substitute for Panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs. -
Is Chicken Blue Ribbon gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
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MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Chicken Blue Ribbon
If you want to prepare Chicken Blue Ribbon ahead of time, follow these tips:
- Prepare the casserole up to the point before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Consider mixing the breadcrumbs and butter together right before baking for the best texture.
With these steps, you’ll have a delicious Chicken Blue Ribbon casserole ready to impress your family and friends!
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices as needed.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste.
- Slowly add whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until it thickens, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly across the casserole.
- In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened unsalted butter and spread this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley.