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Chicken Blue Ribbon

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A comforting casserole that combines shredded chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with a creamy sauce and a crunchy panko topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken into the baking dish.
  3. Evenly layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
  4. Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham.
  5. Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
  6. Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk to form a paste.
  7. Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter cup at a time, whisking until smooth.
  8. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens, whisking occasionally.
  9. Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly.
  10. Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons softened butter in a bowl; spread over the casserole.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
  12. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving, and sprinkle with chopped parsley (if desired).

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/chicken-blue-ribbon/