Creamy Ham And Chicken Medley
A rich, creamy medley of ham and chicken enhanced with mushrooms, Parmesan, and spices, perfect for comforting family dinners or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1/3 cup butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg ⓘ
- dash of red pepper ⓘ
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, stirring constantly.
- Remove mushrooms from the saucepan and set aside.
- Melt 1/3 cup margarine in the same saucepan over low heat.
- Add flour and stir until smooth.
- Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add 2 1/2 cups of milk, stirring constantly.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Stir in whipping cream, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and red pepper.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and mixture is smooth.
- Stir in cooked mushrooms, chopped chicken, and ham.
- Add remaining milk as needed for desired thinner consistency.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of different cheeses like Gruyere or Gouda alongside Parmesan. If you want to lighten the dish, substitute half of the cream with additional milk or use a low-fat cream. Fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley can elevate the dish further. If you're short on time, pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be a great substitute.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy ham and chicken medley pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. It can also be served over pasta or rice for a heartier meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving with garlic bread or a light white wine to complement the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. You can also reheat in the microwave, but use a lower power setting to avoid curdling the cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Ham And Chicken Medley contains roughly 473 calories, with 20g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), iron (55% of the Daily Value), and protein (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1938mg per serving (84% 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 use other meats in this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile, and you can substitute the ham and chicken with turkey, or even a mix of seafood for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that any meat used is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Replace the ham with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Can I freeze the creamy ham and chicken medley?
While it's possible to freeze the dish, the cream may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture. If you plan to freeze it, consider leaving out the cream and adding it fresh when you reheat the dish. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
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).