Chicken and Ham Bake: A One-Dish Delight
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Meat, Beginner Cook, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Description:
This Chicken and Ham Bake, inspired by traditional Southern U.S. cuisine, is an incredibly flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breast with savory ham and a creamy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or rice, making it a comforting and satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 | boneless chicken breast halves |
| salt (to taste) | |
| pepper (to taste) | |
| paprika (to taste) | |
| garlic powder (to taste) | |
| 6 | slices of cooked ham |
| 1/4 cup | butter |
| 1 cup | sour cream |
| 1 can | cream of mushroom soup |
| 1/2 cup | grated parmesan cheese |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 387.4 |
| Total Fat | 26.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 119.5 mg |
| Sodium | 472.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 0.9 g |
| Protein | 31.5 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take the boneless chicken breast halves and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder according to your taste preferences. This initial seasoning will infuse the chicken with a delightful flavor right from the start.
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Layer the Ham: In a shallow baking dish, arrange the slices of cooked ham, ensuring they cover the bottom of the dish evenly. This layer not only adds flavor but also provides a savory base for the chicken.
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Arrange the Chicken: Once the ham is in place, carefully lay the seasoned chicken breast halves on top of the ham. This layering technique allows the chicken to absorb some of the flavors from the ham during baking, resulting in a beautifully cohesive dish.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the butter, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and any additional seasonings you desire. Stir this mixture well until all ingredients are fully blended, creating a creamy sauce that will complement the chicken and ham perfectly.
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Combine and Bake: Pour the creamy sauce over the layered chicken and ham, ensuring that everything is covered evenly. This sauce will keep the chicken moist while it bakes, adding richness to every bite. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
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Add the Finishing Touch: In the final five minutes of baking, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top of the dish. This step not only enhances the flavor but also gives the bake a lovely golden crust. Return the dish to the oven for those last few minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and bubble delightfully.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. This Chicken and Ham Bake can be enjoyed on its own or served alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
With its blend of flavors and ease of preparation, this Chicken and Ham Bake is sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the comforting taste of this Southern classic and share the joy of good food with your loved ones!
