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Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
Tired of Weeknight Dinner Dilemmas?
Are you constantly searching for dinner recipes that are both quick to prepare and satisfying enough for the whole family? In a world where busy schedules often lead to takeout menus, finding a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and truly family-friendly can feel like a challenge. Well, you’re in luck! If you’re looking for a recipe that ticks all those boxes, our Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is about to become your new go-to. This one-dish wonder is packed with comforting ingredients and simple enough for even novice cooks, making it a perfect solution for those evenings when time is short but the desire for a home-cooked meal is strong. Get ready to impress and delight with minimal fuss!
Gather Your Ingredients for a Comforting Classic
The beauty of this chicken ham and rice casserole with broccoli lies in its straightforward ingredient list, featuring pantry staples and fresh produce that combine for a symphony of flavors and textures. We aim for a savory, creamy base, tender chicken and ham, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced.
- Sensory Description: Tender, savory, and provides a hearty protein base.
- Substitution: Rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or leftover cooked turkey.
- Diced Ham: 1 cup.
- Sensory Description: Salty, slightly smoky, adding depth and a delightful chewy texture.
- Substitution: Diced prosciutto or even thick-cut bacon (cooked and crumbled) for a different flavor profile.
- Cooked Rice: 3 cups.
- Sensory Description: Fluffy, absorbent, creating the comforting bed of the casserole.
- Substitution: Quinoa for a nuttier, protein-rich grain, or even couscous (adjust cooking liquid).
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, fresh or frozen.
- Sensory Description: Bright green, slightly crisp, offering a fresh contrast to the richness.
- Substitution: Cauliflower florets, green beans, or even a mix of your favorite vegetables.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5 oz) can.
- Sensory Description: Silky smooth, forms the creamy binder for the casserole.
- Substitution: Cream of mushroom soup for a deeper flavor, or a homemade béchamel sauce for a less processed option.
- Milk: 1/2 cup.
- Sensory Description: Lightens the soup mixture and adds to the creaminess.
- Substitution: Heavy cream for extra richness, or half-and-half.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, divided.
- Sensory Description: Sharp, melty, creates a delicious golden crust.
- Substitution: Monterey Jack for a milder melt, Gruyere for a nutty depth, or a blend of your favorites.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted.
- Sensory Description: Adds richness and helps browning.
- Substitution: Olive oil or avocado oil.
- Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped.
- Sensory Description: Sweet and pungent, building an aromatic foundation.
- Substitution: Shallots for a milder, more refined onion flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
- Sensory Description: Pungent, aromatic, essential for savory depth.
- Substitution: Garlic powder (about 1/2 tsp) if fresh is unavailable.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Sensory Description: Essential enhancers of all flavors.
- Optional: Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping.
- Sensory Description: Adds a delightful crunchy texture.
Timing is Everything
Compared to many casseroles that require extensive prep or long baking times, this Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli comes together remarkably quickly. The average casserole can take upwards of an hour from start to finish, but with pre-cooked chicken and rice, we’re shaving off significant time, making it ideal for a busy weeknight.
Step-by-Step Culinary Journey
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a truly delicious and comforting meal.
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish
First things first, let’s get our oven ready. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. A quick spray of non-stick cooking spray or a light grease with butter will ensure nothing sticks, making cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
If you don’t have cooked rice ready to go, now’s the time to make it. Cook your preferred type of rice (white, brown, basmati – whatever you love!) according to package directions. For casseroles, slightly drier rice tends to work best so it doesn’t become mushy. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked rice for this recipe.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, usually about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly!
Step 4: Combine the Casserole Base
To the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the cream of chicken soup and milk. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is the luscious, creamy sauce that will bind all our delicious ingredients.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Now for the fun part: bringing it all together! In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, cooked rice, and broccoli florets. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the ingredients in the bowl. Add about half of the shredded cheddar cheese (save the rest for the topping!). Gently stir everything until it’s all evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to your liking – remember that ham can be quite salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring every bite will have that delightful cheesy crust. If you’re using breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crunch, sprinkle them over the cheese now. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cheese on top is golden brown and melted. Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve without it falling apart.
Nutritional Snapshot
While flavors are paramount, understanding the nutritional breakdown can be helpful. A typical serving of this casserole (assuming 6-8 servings) is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 18-22g (depending on cheese and ham used)
Note: These are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Healthier Swaps, Same Delicious Flavor
Looking to lighten up this comforting classic without sacrificing taste? Here are some ideas:
- Leaner Protein: Use lean cooked chicken breast or turkey. For ham, opt for a lower-sodium, leaner variety.
- Whole Grains: Switch from white rice to brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduced-Fat Dairy: Use reduced-fat milk and a moderate amount of sharp cheddar (which has a stronger flavor, so you can use less).
- Cream of Anything Soup Alternatives: Make your own lighter “cream of” soup base using Greek yogurt or pureed cauliflower mixed with broth and seasonings.
- Load Up on Veggies: Increase the broccoli or add other non-starchy vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Perfect Pairings for Your Casserole
This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Steamed green beans or asparagus.
- Crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Fresh fruit for a light dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
- Undercooked Rice: Always use fully cooked rice. Raw rice will not cook properly in the casserole’s baking time and will remain hard.
- Over-Mixing: Gently combine ingredients to avoid breaking down the chicken and ham too much, and to keep the rice from becoming mushy.
- Not Resting: Allowing the casserole to rest after baking is crucial for it to set properly.
- Skipping the Cheese Topping: While optional, that golden, bubbly cheese layer is a highlight!
Storing Your Casserole
Leftovers are the best! Let the casserole cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat a larger portion in a covered oven at around 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use uncooked chicken and rice in this recipe?
No, it’s essential to use pre-cooked chicken and rice. Uncooked ingredients will not cook thoroughly in the baking time required for the casserole and will result in an unpleasant texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
Feel free to add other vegetables like frozen peas, corn, diced carrots, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped spinach. Just ensure they are either pre-cooked or can cook through quickly during the baking time.
Is there a way to make this a “dump” and bake recipe?
For a true “dump” and bake, you can skip sautéing the onions and garlic and add them in raw, though the flavor will be less developed. Ensure your chicken and rice are cooked and combine all ingredients directly into the baking dish.
My casserole seems a bit dry. What can I do?
You can add a little more milk or a splash of chicken broth to the soup mixture. Also, ensure you’re not over-baking it, as that can cause it to dry out.
Tried this Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli? We’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or share your delicious creations with us on social media!
Chicken Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice
This creamy, cheesy casserole is a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender chicken ham, broccoli, rice, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoonsunsalted butter½ cupyellow onion, finely diced1 tablespoonolive oil2 ½ cupslow-sodium chicken broth1 ¼ cupswhite long-grain rice, uncooked2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- ½ cupyellow onion, finely diced1 tablespoonolive oil2 ½ cupslow-sodium chicken broth1 ¼ cupswhite long-grain rice, uncooked2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 1 tablespoonolive oil2 ½ cupslow-sodium chicken broth1 ¼ cupswhite long-grain rice, uncooked2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 2 ½ cupslow-sodium chicken broth1 ¼ cupswhite long-grain rice, uncooked2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 1 ¼ cupswhite long-grain rice, uncooked2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 2 cupscooked chicken ham, diced2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 2 cupsbroccoli florets10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 10.75 ozcream of chicken soup½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- ½ cupsour cream¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- ¾ cupmilk2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- 2 ½ cupsshredded cheddar cheese, dividedSalt and pepper, optional
- Salt and pepper, optional
- 1 cupRitz crackers, crushed into crumbs2 tablespoonsbutter, melted
- 2 tablespoonsbutter, melted
Instructions
- 1️⃣Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.2️⃣Sauté onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.3️⃣Cook the rice: Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 8 minutes.4️⃣Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli to the saucepan without stirring, cover again, and cook for an additional 7 minutes. If liquid remains in the pot and rice isn’t fully cooked, simmer for up to 5 more minutes.5️⃣Rest the rice: Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This will allow any remaining liquid to absorb and loosen rice from the bottom.6️⃣Combine casserole ingredients: Stir in the diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.7️⃣Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 2️⃣Sauté onions: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until softened.3️⃣Cook the rice: Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 8 minutes.4️⃣Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli to the saucepan without stirring, cover again, and cook for an additional 7 minutes. If liquid remains in the pot and rice isn’t fully cooked, simmer for up to 5 more minutes.5️⃣Rest the rice: Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This will allow any remaining liquid to absorb and loosen rice from the bottom.6️⃣Combine casserole ingredients: Stir in the diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.7️⃣Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 3️⃣Cook the rice: Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 8 minutes.
- 4️⃣Steam the broccoli: Add the broccoli to the saucepan without stirring, cover again, and cook for an additional 7 minutes. If liquid remains in the pot and rice isn’t fully cooked, simmer for up to 5 more minutes.5️⃣Rest the rice: Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This will allow any remaining liquid to absorb and loosen rice from the bottom.6️⃣Combine casserole ingredients: Stir in the diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.7️⃣Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 5️⃣Rest the rice: Remove from heat and let the pot sit, covered, for 10 minutes. This will allow any remaining liquid to absorb and loosen rice from the bottom.6️⃣Combine casserole ingredients: Stir in the diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.7️⃣Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 6️⃣Combine casserole ingredients: Stir in the diced chicken ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- 7️⃣Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 8️⃣Bake the casserole: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.
- 🔟Add the topping: Remove the foil from the casserole, sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown.1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- 1️⃣1️⃣Let it rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chicken ham substitute: If you prefer, use diced cooked chicken instead of chicken ham.Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) a day in advance. Add the topping right before baking.Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor.Veggie boost: Add diced carrots or peas for more vegetables.
Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) a day in advance. Add the topping right before baking.Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor.Veggie boost: Add diced carrots or peas for more vegetables.
Cheese alternatives: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor.Veggie boost: Add diced carrots or peas for more vegetables.
Veggie boost: Add diced carrots or peas for more vegetables.
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