Chicken Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

 

If there’s one dish that brings the perfect blend of cozy, satisfying, and easy to the dinner table, it’s this Chicken Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice. Picture it: tender rice, savory chicken ham, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese all brought together in a creamy base, topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs for that delightful crunch. Hungry yet? Trust me, this recipe is as comforting as it gets, and the best part? It’s so simple to make, even on a busy weeknight.

The Recipe That Warms Your Soul

Growing up, casseroles were always a staple in my household. They were the go-to meals after long school days, something to make everyone at the table happy. This ham casserole takes me right back to those moments, blending simple ingredients into a dish that feels like a warm hug. Plus, the added bonus? It’s a great way to use up leftover ham or vegetables sitting in your fridge.

Ready to make some magic? Let’s dive in.

Step-by-Step to Deliciousness: Prepping the Casserole

Before we get into cooking, start by gathering all your ingredients and preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). A well-prepared kitchen is key to making this process smooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• For the Casserole:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long-grain rice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken ham, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 10.75 oz cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Salt and pepper (optional)
• For the Ritz Cracker Topping:
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step 1: Sautéing the Onions

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely diced yellow onion and let it cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. This step lays the foundation of flavor for the dish, and the buttery aroma alone is enough to make you hungry.

Step 2: Cooking the Rice

Next, pour in the chicken broth and olive oil, then stir in the uncooked rice. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let the rice cook for about 8 minutes. The steam will do its magic, ensuring the rice absorbs all the delicious chicken broth.

Step 3: Steaming the Broccoli

Here’s where things get even better. Without stirring, add the broccoli florets directly on top of the rice. Cover the pot again and cook for another 7 minutes. This keeps the broccoli slightly tender yet vibrant green—just the way it should be. If you notice any excess liquid remaining after this step, simmer for a few additional minutes until it’s absorbed.

Step 4: Letting the Rice Rest

Once your rice and broccoli are cooked, remove the pot from the heat but leave it covered for another 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for letting any remaining liquid absorb and ensuring the rice is perfectly fluffy.

 

Step 5: Mixing the Ingredients

Now for the fun part! Add the diced ham, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan with the rice and broccoli. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and well combined. At this point, you’ll already be tempted to dig in—but trust me, it gets even better.

Assembling and Perfecting Your Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Now that you’ve combined your casserole’s creamy, cheesy filling, it’s time to bring everything together and bake this beauty to perfection. From layering the dish to crafting the ultimate crunchy Ritz cracker topping, this part is where your hard work turns into a comforting masterpiece.

Step 6: Assembling the Casserole

Take your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Spread the rice, ham, and broccoli mixture evenly across the dish. Smooth it out with a spatula so every bite will have the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Next, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top. This is where the magic happens: as the casserole bakes, the cheese will melt into a bubbling, golden layer of gooey deliciousness.

Step 7: Baking the Casserole

Cover your casserole dish with foil to lock in moisture while it bakes. Place it in your preheated oven (350°F or 175°C) and bake for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates that cozy aroma that fills your home and has everyone asking, “What’s for dinner?”

Step 8: Preparing the Ritz Cracker Topping

While the casserole bakes, let’s get that buttery, crunchy topping ready. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated, ensuring every bite of topping has that irresistible, golden crunch.

Step 9: Adding the Topping and Finishing the Bake

After 15 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Evenly sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker mixture over the top, covering the cheesy layer. Pop the casserole back into the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes.

This step is key: as the casserole finishes baking, the topping will turn beautifully golden brown, adding the perfect contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers below.

 

Step 10: Letting It Rest

Once the casserole comes out of the oven, it’s tempting to dig in right away—but trust me, giving it a 5-minute rest is worth it. Letting it cool slightly helps the layers settle and makes serving much easier. Plus, it gives you a moment to set the table and prepare any sides you might want to serve with this dish.

Tips and Variations to Elevate Your Casserole

Every great recipe has room for a little personalization. Here are some ideas to make this ham casserole your own:

1. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
2. Swap the Cheese: Try using Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a mix of cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Go Spicy: If your family loves a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
4. Use Different Crackers: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs make excellent substitutes for the topping.
5. Make It Vegetarian: Replace the chicken ham with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

The Moment of Truth

Your ham casserole with broccoli and rice is ready, and it smells divine! As you scoop it onto plates, you’ll see the layers of tender rice, savory ham, and broccoli, all tied together with that creamy, cheesy sauce. And don’t forget the crunch of the buttery cracker topping—it’s the finishing touch that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.

FAQs and Final Thoughts on Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice

Your casserole is ready to serve, and your kitchen smells like pure comfort food heaven. But before we wrap things up, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to ensure your dish is perfect every time—and offer some creative ideas to make it even better.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover rice instead of cooking it fresh?

Absolutely! If you already have cooked rice, simply skip the rice-cooking step. Use about 3 cups of cooked rice, and stir it in when combining the other casserole ingredients.

2. What if I don’t have chicken ham?

No worries! You can use regular ham, turkey, or even diced cooked chicken. It’s a great way to use up leftovers from a holiday meal or roasted chicken.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare it up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the same instructions but add an extra 5–10 minutes to the initial baking time.

4. Can I freeze this casserole?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. For best results, add the cracker topping just before baking.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to keep it moist. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes.

6. What can I serve alongside this casserole?

This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

7. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz topping, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Wrapping It All Up: Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ham Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is more than just a meal—it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and a little bit of love in the kitchen. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight, bringing it to a potluck, or simply looking for a way to use up leftovers, this casserole always delivers comfort in every bite.

Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crunchy topping make it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, the recipe is endlessly customizable, so you can make it uniquely yours every time.

Print