why make this recipe
This Chicken Blue Ribbon is warm, cheesy, and easy. It uses shredded chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with a creamy sauce and crunchy breadcrumbs. Make it for a family dinner or a potluck. If you like casseroles, you may also enjoy this Cheesy and Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole.
introduction
Chicken Blue Ribbon mixes simple ingredients into a rich casserole. It cooks in one dish and feeds many people. The dish has layers of chicken, ham, and melted Swiss, topped with buttery panko. It is a good choice when you want comfort food that is quick to assemble.
how to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
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
- 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 :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer black forest ham strips over the chicken, then place Swiss cheese slices over the ham.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add whole milk, whisking until smooth, then simmer until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer.
- Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm.
For a similar homey feel with different flavors, you can look at this Chicken Noodle Casserole for ideas on sides and pairings.
how to serve Chicken Blue Ribbon
Cut the casserole into squares. Serve warm on plates. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. A light soup or a bread roll makes a good match. You can also serve with a simple cup of chicken soup like this Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for a fuller meal.
how to store Chicken Blue Ribbon
Cool the casserole to room temperature. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap well and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
tips to make Chicken Blue Ribbon
- Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or baked chicken to save time.
- Slice the Swiss cheese thin so it melts evenly.
- Whisk the sauce well to avoid lumps; add milk slowly.
- For extra crunch, broil the top for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before cutting so it holds its shape.
variation (if any)
- Swap ham for cooked bacon or prosciutto for a different flavor.
- Use Gruyère or cheddar instead of Swiss for a stronger cheese taste.
- Add cooked vegetables like peas or mushrooms to the chicken layer.
- Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Yes. Leftover shredded chicken works well and saves time.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q: Can I skip the cayenne and nutmeg?
A: Yes. Those spices are optional. The dish still tastes great without them.
Q: How do I get a crisp top without drying the inside?
A: Bake until heated through, then broil for 1-2 minutes to crisp the top. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version?
A: Replace chicken and ham with cooked vegetables and use a vegetarian cheese and butter alternative.
Conclusion
If you like classic comfort food, Chicken Blue Ribbon is a simple, tasty choice. For more about similar restaurants and fried chicken options, check out Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken, learn about Blue Ribbon Restaurants, or see the Menu – Blue Ribbon Fried Chicken – Restaurant in New York, NY.
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded chicken Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or baked chicken to save time.
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham Cut into strips.
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese Slice thinly so it melts evenly.
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter For the sauce.
- 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.
- to taste Chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread the shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Layer black forest ham strips over the chicken, then place Swiss cheese slices over the ham.
Making the Sauce
- Melt 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Sprinkle in flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add whole milk, whisking until smooth, then simmer until thickened.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer.
Topping and Baking
- Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Cut into squares and serve warm.
