Description
A delightful casserole blending chicken, black forest ham, and Swiss cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal.
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and 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 the cheese slices.
- 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, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth.
- Let the mixture simmer for 4 minutes or until thickened, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly.
- Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 Tablespoons softened butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving, with optional chopped parsley on top.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for an even easier option. Add vegetables for added nutrition and adjust spices to your liking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American