Chicken Blue Ribbon

There’s something absolutely magical about gathering around a comforting dish that tastes like a warm hug. Let me tell you a story. A few seasons ago, I found myself knee-deep in dinner parties, seeking recipes that would impress without flipping the kitchen upside down. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem: Chicken Blue Ribbon. It’s become my go-to crowd-pleaser, serving up tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all nestled in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for seconds—and your secret, of course!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Now, let’s talk about why you absolutely need to make this dish tonight. First, it’s super versatile. Whether you’re hosting a lively dinner with friends, preparing Sunday family dinner, or just craving some cozy comfort food, Chicken Blue Ribbon has got your back. The combination of shredded chicken and rich, savory ham will take your taste buds on a delightful journey, while that melted Swiss cheese offers a silky smooth texture that balances everything beautifully.

Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels decadent yet surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re creating something that’s perfect for any occasion. And let’s not forget about the Panko topping—it adds such a wonderful crunch that you won’t be able to resist sneaking a few bites before it even hits the table.

Gather These Ingredients

To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients. Don’t worry if any of them seem a bit unfamiliar; I’ll guide you through how they come together!

• 5 cups shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or poach some chicken breasts—you just want it tender and easy to shred.

• 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham: This smoky, tender ham cuts through the dish’s richness and adds a punch of flavor. If you’re in a pinch, honey or smoked turkey can work too!

• 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese: Mmm, this creamy, nutty cheese melts like a dream. If you’re feeling adventurous, gruyere is a fantastic substitute.

• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter: This little gem adds richness and helps create that smooth sauce.

• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a delightful tang that brightens up the flavor profiles.

• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional): A touch of acidity can really elevate the dish, but feel free to skip it if you prefer.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic?

• ½ teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors.

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Adds a warm, subtly sweet note—perfect for cozy dishes.

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For those of you who like a little kick, this is your chance to spice things up!

• 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour: This helps thicken up our sauce.

• 3 cups whole milk: Makes our sauce creamy and dreamy.

• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs: These will give us that delightful crunch we crave.

• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: Helps Panko crisp up beautifully.

• Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness that makes it all look extra special.

The Cooking Process Explained

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break this down step-by-step.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure our dish comes out effortlessly!

2. Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken across the bottom of the baking dish. It’s our hearty foundation.

3. Layer 9 ounces of sliced black forest ham, cut into strips, over the chicken. Get that savory deliciousness in there!

4. Now for the best part: place 8 ounces of Swiss cheese evenly over the ham. Overlap the slices to fit snugly—no cheese left behind!

5. In a saucepan, melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (if using).

6. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk it all together until it’s fragrant and combined.

7. Next, add 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring continuously until it forms a paste.

8. Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk, adding ¼ cup at a time. Make sure to whisk thoroughly for a smooth sauce before adding more.

9. Allow it to simmer for about 4 minutes or until the sauce thickens up a bit. Keep whisking occasionally–it’s worth it!

10. Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it out gently to fill those corners.

11. In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons softened butter. Mix until combined, then sprinkle this crunchy goodness as the final layer on your dish.

12. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly, and the Panko topping is golden brown.

13. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving—you want that sauce to set just a bit.

14. If desired, sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving, and watch the smiles appear!

Bon Appétit!

Now here’s how to truly enjoy your Chicken Blue Ribbon:

• Serving Suggestions: Pair it with some fresh veggies like roasted broccoli or a light salad to balance the dish’s richness. It’s also fantastic with a side of buttery garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce!

• What to Serve It With: A chilled glass of white wine, like a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, seals the deal for a cozy dinner.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or you’re planning for busy weeknights!), here’s how to store your creation:

• Storage: Keep any extra Chicken Blue Ribbon in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last about 3-4 days.

• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave it in short increments. Just remember that the oven will help retain its crispy topping!

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Store individual servings in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here are a few insider tips to elevate your cooking game:

• If you have some fresh herbs on hand, consider adding a sprinkle of thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra flavor.

• For a smokier twist, try using smoked cheese instead of Swiss.

• Want a bit more depth? Sauté some onions or mushrooms in the butter before you start the sauce—trust me!

Creative Twists

Feeling inspired to experiment? Here are some ideas:

• Swap the chicken for turkey or even a mix of veggies for a vegetarian version.

• Add some sautéed spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost.

• Switch up the cheese with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

Ingredients to Gather

• 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F; spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spread 5 cups shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
3. Layer 9 ounces of deli black forest ham over the chicken.
4. Top with 8 ounces of Swiss cheese, overlapping slices.
5. Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
6. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (optional).
7. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); mix.
8. Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring until a paste forms.
9. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, adding ¼ cup at a time.
10. Simmer for 4 minutes or until thickened, whisking occasionally.
11. Pour sauce over cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
12. Mix 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons softened butter; sprinkle on top.
13. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
14. Let sit for 5 minutes, sprinkle with parsley (if desired), and serve.

Your Questions Answered

• What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?: You can use yellow mustard or even omit it for a milder flavor.
• How can I make this dish healthier?: Use whole grain breadcrumbs, low-fat cheese, or add more veggies!
• Can I use cooked chicken thighs instead of breast?: Absolutely! Just shred and proceed as directed.
• What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?: Regular breadcrumbs will work, but Panko gives a better crunch.
• What about dietary restrictions?: This recipe can be made gluten-free with special flour and bread options.

Cooking doesn’t just fill our bellies; it fills our hearts and minds with joy and community. I encourage you to step into your kitchen, surrender to the process, and don’t shy away from adding your personal touch. There’s beauty in experimentation! I invite you to try this Chicken Blue Ribbon and share your thoughts, tweaks, or photos. Let’s keep this cooking adventure going together!

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Chicken Blue Ribbon

Cooking Method: Baking Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Cooking Temp: 350  F Servings: 8 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 600

Description

Tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese baked in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 5 cups shredded chicken (Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts)
• 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham (Cut into strips)
• 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (Gruyere can be used as a substitute)
• 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter (For the sauce)
• 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard (For tanginess)
• 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (Optional for acidity)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (For flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt (To enhance flavors)
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (Optional for warmth)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (Optional for spice)
• 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour (To thicken the sauce)
• 3 cups whole milk (Makes the sauce creamy)
• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (For the topping)
• 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter (Softened, for mixing with Panko)
• chopped parsley (Optional for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

Preparation

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
   This will ensure our dish comes out effortlessly.
   Mark as complete

2. Layer the Ingredients

   Spread 5 cups of shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, followed by 9 ounces of black forest ham over the chicken, and layer 8 ounces of Swiss cheese on top.
   Overlap the cheese slices for best coverage.
   Mark as complete

Making the Sauce

1. Melt the Butter

   In a saucepan, melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine the Ingredients

   Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne.
   Whisk until fragrant.
   Mark as complete

3. Add Flour and Milk

   Add 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour, stirring until a paste forms, then gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk.
   Add in ¼ cup increments for best results.
   Mark as complete

4. Simmer the Sauce

   Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes or until it thickens.
   Keep whisking occasionally.
   Mark as complete

Baking the Dish

1. Combine and Bake

   Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it gently. Mix 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 Tablespoons softened butter and sprinkle on top. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
   Mark as complete

2. Serve

   Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley to serve.
   Pair with fresh veggies or garlic bread.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 40g62%

Saturated Fat 20g100%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 4g

Protein 40g80%

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Vitamin A 800 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 400 mg

Iron 2 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 5 mcg

Thiamin 0.3 mg

Riboflavin 0.5 mg

Niacin 1.5 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg

Phosphorus 500 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 3 mg

Selenium 20 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.2 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish is perfect for gatherings and is sure to impress. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste!

Keywords: chicken, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser