Williamsburg Chicken 'N Ham Bake
A hearty baked chicken and ham casserole with creamy sauce and crispy bread crumb topping, perfect for family dinners and comforting gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan; toss in bread crumbs and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the remaining butter.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until tender.
- Stir in flour and salt; cook for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in light cream and milk.
- Add rubbed sage and cook over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a full boil.
- Remove from heat and stir in cubed cooked ham and chicken.
- Pour the mixture into an 8 to 9-inch pie pan or quiche dish.
- Top with the prepared bread crumbs.
- Bake about 25 minutes or until bubbling and bread crumbs are brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture. If you're out of light cream, you can substitute half-and-half or a mix of whole milk and sour cream. Using day-old bread for the crumbs can enhance the texture. This dish is also a great way to use leftover ham from a holiday meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken 'N Ham Bake pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve it with mashed potatoes or a side of rice to round out the meal.
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 for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven helps retain the crispy topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Williamsburg Chicken 'N Ham Bake contains roughly 1241 calories, with 12g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1571mg per serving (68% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, as it ensures the dish cooks evenly and the chicken remains tender. If you prefer to use raw chicken, you would need to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is chilled.
What can I use instead of ham?
If you want to substitute ham, cooked turkey or bacon can work well. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, you can use sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables, although this will change the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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).