Chicken And Ham Casserole
A hearty chicken and ham casserole featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy sauce with mushrooms, onions, and a hint of nutmeg, perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts, halved ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed chicken broth, undiluted ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 3 slices baked ham, 1/4-inch thick ⓘ
Instructions
- Wipe chicken breasts with a damp cloth.
- In a large skillet, bring the chicken broth to boiling.
- Add chicken breasts; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes or until tender.
- Remove chicken and reserve the broth.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the casserole. You can substitute the chicken breasts with thighs for a richer flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well. Fresh herbs can enhance the dish, so feel free to use thyme or rosemary. This casserole can also benefit from a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or cheese on top before baking to add a crispy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and ham casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. You can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a heartier meal. If you’re looking for complimentary dishes, consider serving it with Holiday Vegetable Medley for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken and ham casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Ham Casserole contains roughly 833 calories, with 48g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (197% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (95% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 878mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this chicken and ham casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed. If it's frozen after baking, reheat thoroughly before serving.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, nutritional yeast offers a dairy-free option with a cheesy taste, making it suitable for vegan diets.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat to the casserole, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce to allow guests to adjust the spice level to their preference.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).