Description
A comforting casserole with layers of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, perfect for family gatherings and easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer the sliced black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices evenly over the ham, overlapping them slightly if necessary.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to create a roux.
- Gradually sprinkle in the flour while whisking continuously until the mixture forms a paste.
- Slowly add the whole milk in quarter-cup increments, whisking smooth after each addition. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 4 minutes until it thickens, whisking occasionally.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring it reaches the corners of the dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and softened butter. Evenly spread this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once baked, let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. For extra flavor, add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, comfort food, dinner, family meal