Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients ahead of time not only makes the cooking process smoother but also gives you a moment to appreciate the medley of flavors you’re about to create. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 ounces cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute Gruyère for Swiss cheese for a nuttier flavor, or use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of bringing this comforting dish to life. Remember, cooking is as much about enjoying the process as it is about the final product.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, and 1 1/2 cups of Swiss cheese. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is heated through and starts to simmer. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and ham mixture in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until they are well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.
One tip from my own kitchen adventures: let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, and it’s a great time to gather everyone around the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International