Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli

Looking for a quick and hearty dinner idea? This chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is a crowd-pleaser. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for family meals.

Introduction: Is Dinner a Dash to Deliciousness?

In the whirlwind of modern life, are you constantly searching for those weeknight dinner solutions that are both satisfyingly delicious and astonishingly simple? We get it. Crafting a meal that hits all the right notes – comforting, flavorful, and family-approved – can feel like a monumental task after a long day. Well, put down that stress! We’re here to introduce you to your new go-to: the Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a symphony of tender chicken, savory ham, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all baked into a creamy, dreamy dish that practically makes itself. On average, weeknight dinners can take upwards of 45 minutes to prepare and cook, but this gem significantly cuts down on that time, proving that “quick” doesn’t have to mean “compromised.” Get ready for a recipe that will become a staple in your rotation, bringing joy and ease to your dinner table, every single time.

Gather Your Glorious Goodies! (Ingredients)

The magic of this casserole lies in its accessible ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully balanced flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked Chicken: About 2 cups, shredded or diced. This is your protein powerhouse! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Feel free to use leftover roasted chicken.
• Diced Ham: 1 cup. Adds a delightful salty, smoky depth. Diced deli ham or leftover baked ham works beautifully.
• Cooked Rice: 3 cups, a medium-grain variety like white or brown rice. Ensure it’s cooked and cooled slightly; this prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, about 1 medium head. Fresh, vibrant green florets bring a delightful texture and a healthy punch. You can also use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz). This is the creamy binder that ties all our wonderful ingredients together. Its rich, savory notes are essential.
• Milk: 1/2 cup. This helps to thin out the soup slightly for a smoother, more cohesive sauce. Whole milk provides richness, but 2% or even unsweetened almond milk can be used.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, divided. We’re using it both in the casserole for melty goodness and on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Sharp cheddar offers a tangy kick.
• Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped. A subtle aromatic base that adds a layer of sweetness when cooked.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons. For sautéing the onion and adding a touch of richness to the broccoli.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. The essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.

The Clock is Ticking: Recipe Timing

Compared to many complex casseroles that can stretch to an hour or more of prep and cook time, this Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli is a breath of fresh air, clocking in at a manageable 45 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfectly suited for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Magic

Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish. A light coating of cooking spray or a gentle smear of butter will ensure that no delicious bits of casserole stick to the bottom, making cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, now’s the time to dice or shred about 2 cups of cooked chicken. If starting with raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before proceeding. The aroma of perfectly cooked chicken is the first hint of the deliciousness to come!

Step 3: Sauté the Broccoli

In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and beautifully fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Toss in your broccoli florets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, just until they turn a vibrant green and are slightly tender-crisp. This step ensures the broccoli is cooked through and adds a lovely subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Combine the Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, cooked rice, and the sautéed broccoli and onion mixture. In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the can of cream of chicken soup and the 1/2 cup of milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the ingredients in the large bowl. Add about 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your liking – remember, ham can be salty, so taste before adding too much salt!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. This creates a glorious, golden-brown crust as it bakes. Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil (this helps trap steam and cook evenly without drying out the top too quickly). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for about 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and preventing it from falling apart. Serve hot and enjoy the delighted sighs around your dinner table!

Nutritional Nitty-Gritty

While exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, a typical serving of this Easy Chicken Ham and Rice Casserole with Broccoli generally provides:

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g (from chicken and ham)
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g (primarily from rice)
• Fat: 15-25g (from cheese, butter, and soup)
• Fiber: 3-5g (boosted by broccoli)

(Note: These are estimates. For precise nutritional information, consult a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients.)

Wholesome Swaps for a Healthier Bite

Looking to lighten this up without sacrificing flavor? Here are a few simple tweaks:

• Reduce Sodium: Opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup and low-sodium diced ham. Add extra herbs like parsley, chives, or a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.
• Whole Grains: Swap white rice for brown rice or even quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
• Lighter Creaminess: Use a “light” version of cream of chicken soup, or experiment with a homemade sauce using reduced-fat milk and a roux made with whole wheat flour. Greek yogurt can also be a creamy binder, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.
• More Veggies: Bulk up the casserole with more broccoli, or mix in other vegetables like peas, carrots, or cauliflower.
• Leaner Protein: Use cooked chicken breast and lean ham.

Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Plate!

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to add a crisp, refreshing balance.
• A side of crusty bread for soaking up any extra creamy sauce is always a good idea.
• For an extra burst of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving.

Common Culprit Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have their pitfalls! Here’s how to steer clear of soggy or bland results:

• Overcooked Rice: Using mushy, overcooked rice will make your casserole gummy. Ensure your rice is cooked al dente.
• Skipping the Sauté: While you can use raw broccoli, sautéing it briefly with the onion brings out more flavor and prevents it from being too crunchy or too watery.
• Not Draining Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s well-drained after thawing to avoid a watery casserole.
• Underspicing: Always taste your mixture before baking. Ham and canned soup can be salty, but they also need balance from pepper and potentially other herbs.
• Forgetting to Rest: Patience is a virtue! Letting the casserole rest allows it to set, making serving much easier and improving texture.

Storing Your Savory Sensation

Leftovers are a gift! Once cooled slightly, store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

***Can I use different types of meat?***

Absolutely! Cooked turkey, shredded chicken breast, or even diced sausage can be excellent substitutes for chicken and ham. Adjust seasonings as needed.

***Can I make this ahead of time?***

Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

***What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?***

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. For a dairy-free option, use a can of diluted condensed coconut milk or a homemade dairy-free cream soup base.

***Can I freeze this casserole?***

It freezes reasonably well. Assemble and bake it, then let it cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly.

***My casserole seems a bit dry. What did I do wrong?***

This could be due to using pre-cooked rice that was too dry, not enough liquid from the soup/milk mixture, or overbaking. Ensure your rice is moist and you’ve combined everything well before baking.

Chicken Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

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• Author: Chef Emy

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Description

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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 9️⃣Prepare the topping: Combine the Ritz cracker crumbs with melted butter.
10. 🔟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.
11. 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.