Simple Family Recipe: Chicken Ham Broccoli Rice Casserole

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful chicken ham casserole with broccoli and rice that promises warmth in every bite.

You adore this one-pan wonder for its simplicity and incredible flavor profile.

Tender chicken pieces blend seamlessly with savory ham chunks throughout the creamy rice base.

Broccoli adds a fresh, vibrant touch to this hearty dish, creating a balanced meal packed with protein and nutrition.

Cheesy and satisfying, the casserole comes together effortlessly with minimal prep work.

Each forkful offers a delicious medley of textures and tastes that make weeknight dinners feel special.

Gather around the table and savor this comforting classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Goes Into Chicken Ham Casserole

• Chicken Ham: Savory and tender meat for a hearty flavor.
• Chicken: Protein-packed main ingredient of the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth and rich base for creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for extra flavor.

• Rice: Soft and fluffy base grain.
• Broccoli: Fresh and nutritious green vegetable.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid for cooking rice.

• Onions, Butter, Olive Oil: Aromatic and foundational flavor builders.
• Ritz Cracker Crumbs: Crispy and golden topping for texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning enhancers.

How to Make This Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Rice

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat.

Cover and let the rice simmer gently until it starts to soften.

Step 4: Introduce Broccoli

Carefully place broccoli on top of the rice without stirring.

Cover and continue cooking.

If extra liquid remains, let it simmer a bit longer to help everything cook perfectly.

Step 5: Rest and Absorb

Remove from heat and keep the lid on.

Let the rice rest and soak up any remaining moisture, creating a fluffy texture.

Step 6: Mix Creamy Ingredients

• Diced chicken ham
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Blend everything until it’s wonderfully combined and creamy.

Step 7: Layer in Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy layer.

Step 8: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven.

Bake until everything is heated through and bubbling.

Step 9: Prepare Crunchy Topping

Mix Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter to create a golden, crispy topping.

Step 10: Final Bake

Remove the foil, sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the casserole.

Return to the oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 11: Let It Settle

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Tips for a Creamy, Savory Casserole

• Avoid lifting the lid while cooking rice to prevent steam escape, ensuring perfectly cooked, fluffy grains every time.
• Let the Ritz cracker crumbs sit on a paper towel briefly to absorb excess butter, creating a crispier, more delightful crunchy layer.
• Swap chicken ham with rotisserie chicken, turkey ham, or plant-based alternatives to suit different dietary preferences and tastes.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, cauliflower, or spinach to increase the dish's nutritional value and create more vibrant flavors.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal planning.

How to Store and Reheat This Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Ham Bake

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Pair this hearty chicken ham casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the casserole's richness.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Serve with a tangy cucumber and dill pickle relish to add a bright, acidic contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Bread Buddy: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy textural element to the meal.

Creative Ways to Switch Up the Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken ham with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein crumbles. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Verify cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or use a homemade alternative.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower. Reduce cooking time slightly and ensure liquid is adjusted for cauliflower's moisture content.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Replace sour cream with cashew cream or coconut yogurt.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken ham?

Yes, you can substitute chicken ham with cooked ham, turkey ham, or even diced cooked chicken breast for a similar result.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the recipe contains Ritz crackers and cream of chicken soup, which typically have gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers and check that your soup is gluten-free.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or peas during the cooking process, or serve with a side salad to increase the nutritional value of the meal.

Why This Chicken Ham Rice Casserole Works

• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with creamy textures, cheesy goodness, and hearty ingredients, this dish delivers ultimate satisfaction that wraps you in warm, delicious comfort.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the balanced combination of tender chicken ham, soft rice, crisp broccoli, and crunchy cracker topping that appeals to multiple taste preferences.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this casserole adapts easily and can be prepared ahead of time, making mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

Chicken Ham Casserole With Broccoli And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken ham casserole with broccoli and rice delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Creamy layers of protein, vegetables, and rich cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken ham, diced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 1/4 cups white long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 10.75 ounces (305 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, optional

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray.
2. Create a flavor base by melting butter in a large saucepan, then gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Introduce chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the sautéed onions, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer and covering securely.
4. Carefully layer broccoli atop the simmering rice without disturbing the underlying grains, then cover and continue cooking until rice reaches optimal tenderness.
5. Remove the pan from heat and allow the rice to rest, enabling residual moisture to distribute evenly and prevent sticking.
6. Fold in diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and a generous portion of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring thorough incorporation of all components.
7. Transfer the harmonious mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and adorning the surface with remaining cheese.
8. Shield the casserole with aluminum foil and bake initially to develop underlying flavors.
9. Craft a crisp topping by combining Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy texture.
10. Uncover the casserole, sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture across the surface, and return to the oven to achieve a beautiful golden-brown finish.
11. Grant the casserole a brief resting period, allowing ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Optimize rice texture by using long-grain white rice for the best absorption and fluffiness.
• Remove excess moisture from broccoli before adding to prevent a watery casserole consistency.
• Substitute ham with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and Ritz crackers to make the dish celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg