Chicken Blue Ribbon
Get Ready to Fall in Love with This Comfort Dish
Ever had a meal that wraps around you like a cozy blanket? Chicken Blue Ribbon does just that! This decadently creamy, cheesy wonder will have your taste buds dancing 🎉. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning cleanup is as easy as pie (or should I say chicken casserole?).
Why Make This Recipe
Why do we love Chicken Blue Ribbon? Let me count the ways:
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will gobble this up faster than you can say, “What’s for dinner?” Who can resist layers of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese?
- Tasty and Quick: With its creamy sauce and crunchy topping, this dish takes just about an hour. It makes weeknight dinners less of a chore and more of a delight!
- Easy Cleanup: Since it’s a one-pan recipe, you simply prepare, bake, and serve in the same dish. More time to binge-watch your favorite shows, less time scrubbing pots. Win-win! 🥳
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 to room temperature
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Directions:
Here’s how to bring this deliciousness to life, step by step.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter cup at a time. Whisk until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until thick, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it around.
- Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons softened butter in a bowl and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired) and serve.
How to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon (Overview)
Making Chicken Blue Ribbon is a breeze! Start by preheating your oven and preparing that delicious chicken base. Then, layer on the ham and cheese like you’re building a cozy blanket fort.
Pro Tip: When making the sauce, whisk it continuously to keep it smooth and creamy—nobody wants lumpy cheese sauce! Once you’ve poured your rich, velvety sauce over, top it with buttery Panko breadcrumbs for the ultimate crunch. 🍽️
How to Serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Serve this comforting dish straight out of the oven, bubbling and golden brown. You can dish it up alongside a vibrant green salad for a pop of color and freshness. 🌿 The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table faster than you can say “Dinner’s ready!”
How to Store Chicken Blue Ribbon
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining Chicken Blue Ribbon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Tips to Make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and still gives you that tender chicken flavor.
- Add Veggies: Got some broccoli or spinach lying around? Toss it in for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Feeling adventurous? Try Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Variation
Want to shake things up? Try substituting sliced turkey for the ham for a lighter version. If you’re going vegan, swap the chicken with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free cheese for a deliciously different take! 🌱
FAQs
Can I use cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders in this recipe.
How can I make it ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time!
Can I freeze Chicken Blue Ribbon?
Yes! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing to preserve freshness.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping to fit.
- Melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter cup at a time. Whisk until smooth.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes or until thick, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it around.
- Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 tablespoons softened butter in a bowl and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired) and serve.
