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Delicious Chicken Blue Ribbon recipe showcased on a rustic dining table.

Chicken Blue Ribbon

A creamy chicken casserole with shredded chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 5 cups shredded chicken Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips
  • 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese Overlapping as needed.
For the Sauce
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter Divided
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional) Adjust based on preference.
  • 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 Or low-fat for a lighter version.
Topping
  • 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • to taste none Chopped parsley (optional) For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded chicken into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Layer 9 ounces of black forest ham over the chicken.
  4. Place 8 ounces of Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping as needed.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 Tablespoons of butter.
  2. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
  3. Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
  4. Slowly add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes or until thick, whisking occasionally.
  6. Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly.
Baking the Casserole
  1. In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 Tablespoons softened butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
  2. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown.
  3. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Shred your chicken yourself for better flavor and texture. Store-bought shredded can be dry. Make ahead and assemble until the baking step, then refrigerate.