Introduction
This creamy and delicious chicken casserole is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. With layers of tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, topped off with a crunchy Panko breadcrumb crust, this dish is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. Easy to prepare and bake, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds)
– 8 ounces sliced deli ham
– 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
– 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Layer Ham and Cheese: Lay slices of ham over each chicken breast, followed by slices of Swiss cheese, ensuring each piece is well covered.
4. Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and dried parsley (if using). Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
7. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delightful chicken casserole!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
Layer Ham and Cheese
Lay slices of deli ham over each chicken breast, ensuring an even layer. Follow this with slices of Swiss cheese, covering the ham completely.
Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese in the baking dish.
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and dried parsley (if using). Mix thoroughly until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter.
Add the Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy layer.
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
Notes
Chicken Preparation
Ensure that the chicken breasts are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
Ham and Cheese Options
You can substitute the sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese with other varieties as per your preference.
Topping Variations
For extra flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the Panko breadcrumb topping.
Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook Techniques
Preheating the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture and doneness in the casserole.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the ham and cheese over the chicken breasts allows for better flavor distribution. Ensure that each chicken breast is fully covered for even melting.
Making the Sauce
Whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a smooth sauce. This will enhance the dish’s creaminess and depth of flavor.
Coating Panko Breadcrumbs
Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and optional parsley to create a crunchy topping. This step adds texture and prevents the casserole from becoming soggy.
Baking Procedure
Bake the casserole uncovered for 35-40 minutes. This allows the top to crisp up while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other types such as cheddar or provolone if you prefer.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of deli ham?
While deli ham adds convenience and flavor, you could use cooked ham or even rotisserie chicken for a different taste.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, as regular Panko contains gluten.
Conclusion
This delicious chicken casserole combines tender chicken breasts with layers of savory ham and Swiss cheese, topped with a creamy sauce and crispy Panko breadcrumbs. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, ensuring delightful flavors in every bite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Italian Chicken Casserole
Substitute the ham with slices of salami and the Swiss cheese with mozzarella. Add Italian seasoning to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Tex-Mex Chicken Bake
Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, and layer the chicken with cheddar cheese and jalapeños. Top with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
Vegetable-Stuffed Chicken
Fill the chicken breasts with a mixture of sautéed spinach, artichokes, and feta cheese instead of ham and Swiss for a lighter option.
BBQ Chicken Casserole
Use barbecue sauce instead of the cream soup mixture and top with coleslaw and crispy fried onions for a sweet and tangy flavor.
Hawaiian Chicken Bake
Substitute the ham for pineapple slices and use Monterey Jack cheese. Add a touch of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for a tropical flair.
