Chicken Blue Ribbon
Chicken Blue Ribbon is that perfect blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. This delectable dish combines the juiciness of boneless chicken breasts with savory slices of ham and melty Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. It’s an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to treat your family or guests to something truly special. Trust me, the aroma wafting from your oven will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen!
Why you’ll love this dish
What makes Chicken Blue Ribbon stand out? First, it’s remarkably easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for anyone, even novice cooks. You can whip this up on a busy weeknight or serve it at a special gathering without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, so you won’t have to splurge to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home. Kids and adults alike will fall head over heels for its cheesy, savory goodness—truly a family favorite!
“This Chicken Blue Ribbon is hands down one of the best dishes I’ve ever tried. The cheese sauce is heavenly, and it’s so easy to make! My kids ask for it at least once a week!” – Sarah T.
The cooking process explained
Making Chicken Blue Ribbon is simpler than you might think. Start by prepping your chicken breasts and flattening them for even cooking. We’ll be rolling the chicken with ham and Swiss cheese, then coating it to achieve that perfect crunch. The cheese sauce is the icing on the cake—rich, velvety, and bursting with flavor. You’ll have this dish ready in no time with a few straightforward steps!
What you’ll need
To create this mouthwatering Chicken Blue Ribbon, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup Swiss cheese (for the sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for greasing
For a healthier twist, you can swap the heavy cream with a lighter alternative or use whole-grain breadcrumbs for extra fiber!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to ensure even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly!
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll them up tightly.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it into beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch.
- Place your chicken rolls in a greased baking dish, ready for baking.
- For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Stir in the heavy cream and add Swiss cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Pour this heavenly cheese sauce generously over the chicken rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve hot, topped with additional cheese sauce if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
Chicken Blue Ribbon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with sautéed green beans for a fresh crunch, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad. You can also drizzle some extra cheese sauce on top of your sides for that added flavor boost!
Keeping leftovers fresh
To store your leftover Chicken Blue Ribbon, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you need longer storage, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 months. Always make sure it’s cooled before placing it in the freezer. Reheat in the oven to restore that crispy coating!
Helpful cooking tips
- Be sure to pound your chicken breasts evenly; this ensures they cook through without drying out.
- If you want extra flavor, consider seasoning the flour with garlic powder or Italian herbs.
- For a crispier coating, try letting the breaded chicken rolls sit for a few minutes before baking. This helps the breadcrumbs adhere better!
Creative twists
Chicken Blue Ribbon can easily be customized. Add some spinach or roasted peppers inside for additional flavor and nutrients. You could even switch out the Swiss cheese for Gouda or cheddar for a unique flavor profile. Feeling adventurous? Try wrapping the chicken in prosciutto instead of ham for a delightful twist!
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prep this dish?
Preparation typically takes about 20-25 minutes, making it a quick option for busy nights.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble it the night before and bake when you’re ready.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
Feel free to substitute the ham with turkey or a plant-based option, and use dairy-free cheese and cream for a lactose-free version.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, Chicken Blue Ribbon freezes well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container for the best results.
Now that you know how to make this delightful Chicken Blue Ribbon dish, you can easily impress your family or guests with a simple yet sophisticated meal. Enjoy!
Chicken Blue Ribbon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese For rolling.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use whole-grain for extra fiber if desired.
- 2 pieces eggs Beaten.
- 1/2 cup flour Consider seasoning with garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese For the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with lighter alternatives.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Butter for greasing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the chicken breasts to ensure even thickness.
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll them up tightly.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip it into beaten eggs, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
- Place your chicken rolls in a greased baking dish.
Cooking
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in the heavy cream and add Swiss cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce generously over the chicken rolls.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve hot, topped with additional cheese sauce if desired.
