Today I am going to share with you one of the most delicious food that most of people like, but it's recipe is not known.
Because most of you like fast recipes that are done in a while, and at the same time looks yummy and delicious this is why we share multiple recipes of this kind. Most special thing about this recipe is that the ingredients are existing already in your house or you won't suffer to get it, very easy and simple.
I will show you why this recipe is worth trying :
The easiest steps ever, this is why I like casserole recipes.
No one will say that they don't want to eat, perhaps nothing will stay in the dishes.
Best way to use any leftovers of ham or chicken.
Parents and kids favorite's food, because any recipe that combines a creamy texture with protein and the crust of breadcrumbs is delicious for the whole family.
Now let's pack the ingredients :
Bite sized chopped cooked chicken breasts, if there are any leftovers better to use it in this recipe.
Smoky diced ham for a salty taste.
Swiss cheese for a reach and creamy flavor, or substitute it with another from the variations list below.
Creamy chicken soup, which is the base of the sauce that is going to cover the ingredients .
Milk to balance the sauce.
Mustard and thyme with salt and paprika and garlic powder and cracked black pepper.
Breadcrumbs of panko to make everything crunchy.
Unsalted butter for the breadcrumbs.
Oil spray to avoid sticking something to the dish.
Substitutions :
For cheese swap, use mild cheddar or gruyère cheese if you are preparing this recipe to some people that are picky.
Adding some mixed frozen vegetables, as peas and broccoli for more nutrients and colors.
For a lighter version of this recipe replace whole milk and chicken soup cream with low fat ones.
In the end of cooking, finish the process with two minutes of broiling to make it more crunchy in the top.
After baking You could add fresh parsley or chives to the top of the casserole.
Steps and directions to make this delicious casserole :
Step number 1: prepare the baking casserole by grease it with oil to prevent anything from sticking, then preheat the oven to 175°C.
Step number 2: mix cooked chicken with diced ham and the half amount of shredded cheese together in a medium bowl. Then place the mixture to the baking casserole evenly.
Step number 3: in another bowl combine the chicken cream soup with milk and spices and mustard, then whisk everything together.
Step number 4: pouring the creamy sauce over mixed chicken and ham, and make sure to cover all the ingredients well.
Step number 5: add the rest of the Swiss cheese to the top, this is one of the secrets of that gooey taste.
Step number 6: before baking, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and don't forget the paprika then add it to the top of the recipe for a golden crust.
Step number 7: bake the recipe uncovered for about 30 minutes, until the top becomes golden and the cheese melts well.
Step number 8: after take the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for some 5 or 7 minutes to make it easy to divide.
Professional advices for best results :
Using rotisserie chicken is better than fresh, it would add a deep flavor to the recipe, and also will save time.
Toasting the breadcrumbs a little bit before adding it to the top will boost the crunch more and more.
Mustard is very important in this recipe, I usually use it in my recipes when I want to impress my guests, with a different flavor.
Waiting a little bit before serving, would help the layers to firm up.
Serving ideas :
It is a main dish and delicious by itself.
Or with some roasted veggies or a various green salad.
Also with broiled carrots and asparagus.
For bread lovers add some garlic bread besides to take all the creamy sauce out of the dish.
Storage tips :
If there are any leftovers of this casserole, just wrap it well or move it to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but make sure it is cooled down completely.
For freezing for another time cover it well with aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.
When you need to eat it again, remove it from the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
Preheat the oven to 350F and heat it again to melt the cheese and bring the crunch back.
Famous asked questions :
Making this recipe ahead of time, to save time and effort ?
Yes it is fine just combine all the layers and cover it until the next 24 hours, then add the toppings and bake.
Replacing chicken with turkey:
It is a good idea, because turkey is pairing well with ham and cheese.
What is the other choice for the chicken cream soup ?
Making a homemade cream by melting butter with flour and adding chicken broth or milk and don't forget salt and pepper.
I don't have panko breadcrumbs, what should I do?
You can use unsweetened cornflakes or any regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion about this recipe :
I really liked this recipe because it combines some protein leftovers, so you could use it in another recipe as this one.
Everyone likes this combination of cheese and ham with cooked chicken, also the crunch add a fun twist for kids and adults too.
All can I say is that you have to try it only once and sure you will addict it.
Enjoy.
