Chicken Blue Ribbon

Name: Chicken Blue Ribbon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 5 cups shredded chicken (Use fresh or rotisserie 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) (Recommended for brightness.); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (For a crispy topping.)

Chicken Blue Ribbon is a dish that captures the essence of comfort food. A mouthwatering casserole that combines tender chicken, savory ham, luscious Swiss cheese, and an unbeatable creamy sauce, it’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. If you’re looking for something that’s both easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, then Chicken Blue Ribbon is an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in. There’s something undeniably heartwarming about this recipe, providing a great way to bring everyone to the table.

Why You’ll Love It

Chicken Blue Ribbon holds a special place in many hearts, and it’s easy to see why. First and foremost, this dish brings people together. Imagine sitting with your family around the dinner table, the delectable aroma of baked chicken mingled with melty Swiss cheese filling the air. It’s one of those meals that invites conversation and laughter, creating beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.

Moreover, the versatility of Chicken Blue Ribbon is incredible. You can prepare it for a weeknight dinner with your family or serve it at a larger gathering. It’s a dish that pleases both picky eaters and culinary adventurers alike. The creamy sauce complements the savory ham and chicken beautifully, while the crispy Panko topping adds an irresistible crunch. You’ll find that everyone goes back for seconds, which is always a joyful sign that a meal has been a hit!

Nutritionally, Chicken Blue Ribbon is well-balanced, comprising proteins and dairy that contribute to a wholesome meal. You can also easily modify the ingredients to fit dietary needs; for instance, substitute the chicken with turkey or use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-sensitive crowd. Not only does it fill you up, but it also warms your soul, making it the perfect comfort food.

In essence, Chicken Blue Ribbon is not just a meal; it’s an experience. From the preparation to the first bite and even the leftovers, this dish has the power to transform a mundane evening into something special. So gather your ingredients and hop on this culinary adventure that you and your loved ones will cherish!

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
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs

To create this delightful Chicken Blue Ribbon, you’ll need a medley of delicious ingredients. Begin with 5 cups of shredded chicken, which forms the heart of this dish. Use fresh or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Next, incorporate 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, which will bring a savory depth to the casserole. Layering in 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese adds creaminess and a touch of richness that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

For the sauce, gather 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, along with 1 tablespoon each of Dijon mustard and freshly squeezed lemon juice for a zesty kick (the lemon is optional but recommended for brightness). Spice things up with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You may optionally include 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of flavor. For the creamy consistency of the sauce, use 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and 3 cups of whole milk. Lastly, to create the topping that adds that delightful crunch, use 1 1/2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs.

How to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon

Step 1

To begin preparing your Chicken Blue Ribbon, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup. Once that’s done, evenly spread the shredded chicken across the bottom of the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is distributed well because this is the base layer of your delightful casserole. This sets the stage for the savory layers to come, ensuring an even bite every time.

Step 2

Next, layer the delicious and smoky black forest ham over the shredded chicken. Cut the ham into strips for even distribution. It’s important to ensure that the ham covers the chicken fully because it acts as a flavor enhancer. After covering the chicken with ham, place the slices of Swiss cheese over the ham. Overlap those slices as needed to fit the casserole dish. The cheese will melt beautifully as the casserole cooks, creating a rich and creamy texture that complements the other flavors.

Step 3

Now, it’s time to create the creamy sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter. To this melted butter, whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice if you choose to use it. Next, stir in the garlic powder, salt, nutmeg if desired, and cayenne pepper. Once the mixture is well-combined, sprinkles in the flour while whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. You want it to form a paste, which creates the foundation for your creamy sauce.

Step 4

Slowly add the 3 cups of whole milk to your flour mixture, about a quarter of a cup at a time. Whisk thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer for about four minutes, whisking occasionally until it thickens. Once the sauce reaches the right consistency, pour it over the cheese layer evenly. Make sure to get it into all corners of the dish, covering the layers below. For the final touch, combine 1 1/2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter. Spread this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the topping is crispy and golden brown.

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, creating a solid base layer. Next, layer 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips, evenly over the chicken for a smoky flavor enhancement. Following that, place 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese on top, overlapping the slices to ensure even coverage over the ham. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and, if you wish, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg and cayenne pepper if you’re using them. Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking this into the melted butter until it forms a paste. Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth before adding more milk. After all the milk has been added, allow the sauce to simmer for four minutes or until it thickens, whisking occasionally. Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it as evenly as possible to get into all corners. Combine 1 1/2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter in a small bowl and, as your final layer, spread this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake the Chicken Blue Ribbon uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles up and the Panko topping turns golden brown. After baking, let the dish sit for five minutes to allow the sauce to set up nicely. To finish, sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve.

Helpful Notes

When preparing Chicken Blue Ribbon, there are a few helpful notes to keep in mind. First, feel free to customize this dish according to your preferences. Substitute the chicken with turkey or even a meat alternative if you’re looking to make it vegetarian. You can also change the type of cheese; Gruyère or cheddar would create a delightful variation.

Leftover chicken or ham works beautifully in this recipe. Shred any remaining meat from previous meals to make use of leftovers and give your casserole a unique twist. Additionally, for a bit of crunch, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or fresh vegetables, like spinach or broccoli, between the layers.

If you’re preparing this dish ahead of time, you can assemble it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. If preparing from refrigerated, be aware that you might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Storage & Reheating Tips

After your Chicken Blue Ribbon has been enjoyed, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—around 20-25 minutes should do the trick.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of Chicken Blue Ribbon. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-friendly container, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or place it directly in the oven from frozen, adding extra time to ensure that it warms up thoroughly.

FAQs

What can I serve with Chicken Blue Ribbon?

Chicken Blue Ribbon pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a refreshing green salad, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread. These accompaniments provide balance and round out the meal beautifully.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Frozen chicken can certainly be used for this recipe. Ensure it is completely thawed before shredding and layering in the dish for even cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make Chicken Blue Ribbon gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and replace the Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken and ham with a mix of hearty vegetables, such as mushrooms and zucchini, and keep the creamy sauce for a delicious vegetarian casserole.

How spicy is Chicken Blue Ribbon?

The spice level of Chicken Blue Ribbon can be adjusted to your preference. The cayenne pepper is optional, so if you prefer a milder dish, you can omit it.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

You will know the Chicken Blue Ribbon is done baking when the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown. The casserole should also feel firm when gently shaken.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cover it tightly to avoid drying out.

Conclusion + CTA

Chicken Blue Ribbon is the perfect dish that combines ease of preparation with incredible flavors, making it a staple in American kitchens. It’s a heartwarming casserole that delivers satisfaction not just in taste but in the joy it brings to gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just enjoying a cozy night at home, this dish will evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. So why not gather your loved ones, whip up a batch today, and create cherished memories around the dinner table? Enjoy the comfort of Chicken Blue Ribbon!