Description
A delightful casserole dish of tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, topped with a crispy Panko crust. Perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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
- 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.
- Evenly layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition.
- Let the sauce simmer for 4 minutes until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly.
- Combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons softened butter and spread this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep. Customize spices to taste and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American