Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
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, cut into strips over the chicken.
- Place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices to fit into the casserole dish.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using), and 1/4 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 the mixture is smooth, before adding the next bit of milk.
- Once all the milk has been added, allow it to simmer for 4 minutes or until the sauce has thickened (whisking occasionally).
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly around as best as possible, making sure to get in all the corners.
- Combine the 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature in a small bowl and spread this mixture evenly over the casserole dish as your final layer.
- Bake in the oven uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
Notes
- Nutmeg and cayenne pepper are optional but add extra flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice enhances the sauce but can be skipped.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving for better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 40 Minutes
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg