Description
A comforting and easy dish featuring layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
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
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread 5 cups of shredded chicken evenly into the baking dish.
- Layer 9 ounces of black forest ham over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces of Swiss cheese slices over the ham.
- Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and lemon juice, if using.
- Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and optional spices, whisking until combined.
- Sprinkle in 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a paste.
- Gradually add 3 cups of whole milk, whisking after each addition until smooth.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes or until it thickens.
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Combine 1½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs and 4 tablespoons of softened butter in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it chill for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or veggie alternatives. Ensure to let the sauce thicken for the best consistency.