Chicken Blue Ribbon

Cooking always brings back fond memories from my childhood. I recall rainy afternoons when my mom prepared an aromatic casserole that filled the house with warmth and comfort. Chicken Blue Ribbon quickly became a favorite. The layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese melded together in a creamy sauce, creating the epitome of comfort food.

As family gathered ’round the table, we savored each bite, sharing laughter and stories. Casseroles like this have a way of connecting generations, becoming part of our family traditions. I cherish the moments when my loved ones enjoyed dishes made with care and the joy they brought.

Chicken Blue Ribbon is more than just a recipe; it symbolizes connection and comfort. Made with simple ingredients, it transforms everyday cooking into something extraordinary. This dish embodies the essence of home-cooked meals, bringing people together to share those unforgettable moments. Embracing traditional recipes allows us to create new memories while honoring old ones.

With every spoonful, you experience the nostalgia of family gatherings and the delight of home-cooked goodness. Let’s dive into making Chicken Blue Ribbon and bring that comforting essence into our kitchens today.

Chicken Blue Ribbon Essentials

Fundamentals

Before we start cooking, it’s essential to understand some basics. Chicken Blue Ribbon features a rich combination of flavors and textures. Rooted in classic cooking, this dish combines shredded chicken, savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a flavorful sauce. Each layer adds depth, creating an inviting dish everyone will love.

Optimizing your cooking technique ensures a delicious outcome. Mastering the sauce is key. It adds creaminess and binds all the flavors together. You want the sauce to be velvety, clinging to every ingredient. The final topping of crispy Panko breadcrumbs creates a satisfying crunch, completing the harmony of textures.

Preparation/Setup

Setting up for Chicken Blue Ribbon requires some straightforward steps. Begin by preheating the oven to 350°F. This temperature allows for even cooking, ensuring all ingredients meld beautifully. While the oven heats, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and helps with easy serving.

Arranging the ingredients in layers enhances the presentation and overall taste. Start with 5 cups of shredded chicken, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Layering influences how flavors interact, so take time to arrange the next ingredient, which is 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham. Cut into strips, it will sit on top of the chicken, infusing it with rich flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for this delectable recipe:

• 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)

These ingredients are easily available, making this recipe accessible for everyone. Ensure you have everything ready before diving into the preparation. It streamlines the process and makes cooking enjoyable!

Directions

Now for the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps to create an unforgettable Chicken Blue Ribbon.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and ready your 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish.
3. Layer the 9 ounces of sliced, deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
4. Place the 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese over the ham, overlapping the slices to cover completely.
5. In a saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
6. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice (optional), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (optional), and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional).
7. Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, whisking until the mixture forms a paste.
8. Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter cup at a time. Whisk after each addition to achieve a smooth mixture, before adding more milk.
9. Once all the milk has been incorporated, allow it to simmer for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally until the sauce thickens.
10. Pour the creamy sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly, ensuring it reaches all corners of the dish.
11. In a separate bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of softened butter. Mix well before spreading this mixture evenly over the entire casserole.
12. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the Panko topping turns a golden brown.
13. Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This waiting period allows the sauce to set up perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

This dish will surely have mouths watering and hearts warming, making it a centerpiece for any gathering.

Cooking Chicken Blue Ribbon with Techniques

Technique

As with any recipe, mastering techniques enhances the final dish. For Chicken Blue Ribbon, paying attention to the sauce consistency matters. Whisking continuously while adding the milk prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth sauce. The key is to keep the heat on medium, allowing it to thicken without burning.

Utilizing the right proportions of the ingredients leads to balanced flavors. The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a delightful taste profile. Experiment with seasoning to suit personal preferences, but feel free to keep it simple for a classic experience.

Tips/Tricks

Cooking can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are a few tips to make your Chicken Blue Ribbon experience enjoyable.

1. Prep Ahead: Consider preparing the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and bake.
2. Use Leftovers: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders in this recipe! It saves time and adds a flavorful shortcut.
3. Explore Variations: Add some veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, to boost nutrition and flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly if using fresh veggies, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

Implementing these tips will lead to a hassle-free cooking experience. Each time you make Chicken Blue Ribbon will turn into a new adventure with flavor.

Perfecting Chicken Blue Ribbon

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect Chicken Blue Ribbon comes down to timing and technique. Pay close attention to the baking time; each oven varies. Start checking around 30 minutes to see if the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.

If you notice the topping browning too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring the casserole cooks through. Letting it rest after baking is crucial. This allows the sauce to thicken, making serving easier and more appealing.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If things don’t go as planned, don’t worry! Cooking is about learning. If your sauce seems too thick, whisk in a bit more milk over low heat until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, let it simmer longer to thicken.

Don’t be afraid to customize! Replace Swiss cheese with Cheddar or Gruyère for a different flavor. Add spices like Italian seasoning or smoked paprika for a unique twist that elevates the dish beyond the ordinary.

Each variation can lead to delightful surprises, making Chicken Blue Ribbon an adaptable family favorite.

Serving and Storing Chicken Blue Ribbon

Serving/Presentation

Presentation matters, even for comfort food like Chicken Blue Ribbon. After letting it rest, ladle generous portions onto plates. Ensuring each serving has a balance of chicken, ham, cheese, and that crispy topping creates an inviting plate.

Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. It enhances the visual appeal and adds a fresh flavor. Serve alongside a simple salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal, making it feel complete.

Pairings/Storage

While meal pairings aren’t a focus for this recipe, Chicken Blue Ribbon stands well on its own. If you choose sides, consider options like garlic bread or a light soup to complement the richness of the casserole.

Leftovers tend to be even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the oven or microwave, enjoying the flavors once more!

Chicken Blue Ribbon not only satisfies but creates new memories around the table every time it graces your dining space.

Chicken Blue Ribbon

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish.
3. Layer the sliced black forest ham over the chicken.
4. Place the Swiss cheese over the ham, overlapping the slices.
5. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
6. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
7. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
8. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking after each addition until smooth.
9. Simmer the sauce for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally until thickened.
10. Pour the creamy sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly.
11. In a bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and mix well, then spread over the casserole.
12. Bake for 30-40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the topping is golden brown.
13. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Notes

Consider prepping the chicken and sauce a day in advance for convenience. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: casserole, comfort food, chicken, ham, Swiss cheese