Ham-Chicken Bake
A comforting baked chicken dish wrapped with ham and Swiss cheese, featuring flavorful herb stuffing, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and melt the stick of butter in a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Flatten the chicken breasts with a saucer to an even thickness.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up each chicken breast with the cheese inside.
- Wrap each rolled chicken breast with a slice of ham.
- Secure the ham with toothpicks to hold everything together.
- Prepare the herb stuffing mix according to package instructions or as desired.
- Place the prepared chicken rolls in the melted butter in the pan.
- Sprinkle the herb stuffing mix over the chicken rolls.
- Bake in the oven until cooked through and golden, approximately 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, substitute turkey or provolone cheese for the ham and Swiss, respectively. If you prefer a crunchier topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to the herb stuffing mix before sprinkling it over the chicken. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking, and consider preparing the herb stuffing with chicken broth for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Ham-Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a heartier side, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or rice. A light vinaigrette can complement the dish well, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors. Explore more American recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham-Chicken Bake contains roughly 697 calories, with 31g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (61% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Ham-Chicken Bake a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese on hand, you can substitute it with mozzarella or gouda for a similar meltiness. Alternatively, cheddar cheese can be used for a sharper flavor, though it will change the overall taste profile of the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a roll to check for any pinkness.
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).