Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. We’ve carefully selected components that offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture, ensuring every spoonful is a treat. Using high-quality ingredients will always yield the best results, so let’s get started:

• 1 tbs butter
• 1 tbs olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
• ½ tsp salt (for chicken)
• ½ tsp pepper (for chicken)
• ½ lb smoked pre-cooked ham, cubed
• 1 white onion, diced
• 1 tbs minced garlic
• 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked, rinsed jasmine rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp salt (for casserole)
• ½ tsp pepper (for casserole)
• 1 cup frozen peas

Ingredient Notes & Tips:

• Chicken: While chicken breast is recommended for its lean texture, feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result. Ensure it’s cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Ham: Pre-cooked smoked ham is key for flavor and convenience. If you have leftover holiday ham, this recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose it.
• Rice: Rinsing jasmine rice before cooking removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming overly sticky and ensuring distinct, fluffy grains in your casserole. Other long-grain rice varieties can also work, but cooking times might vary slightly.
• Tomatoes: Petite diced tomatoes add a lovely texture and a burst of fresh flavor without overwhelming the dish. Don’t drain them, as the liquid contributes to the broth.
• Peas: Frozen peas are added at the end to retain their vibrant color and delicate sweetness. You can substitute with other quick-cooking vegetables like corn.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating this ham chicken and rice casserole is straightforward, even for novice cooks. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly cooked, flavorful dish every time. The beauty of this recipe lies in its one-pot nature, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.

1. To a large sauté pan or pot, add the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, add the cubed chicken breast. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides until lightly golden, but it doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage.
2. Add the cubed smoked ham to the pan with the chicken. Continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes, browning the ham slightly on each side to enhance its flavor.
3. Stir in the diced white onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent, and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Pour in the can of petite diced tomatoes (with their liquid), chicken broth, and the rinsed jasmine rice. Add the paprika, dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper. Stir all the ingredients well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 18-22 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The rice should be tender, and most of the liquid should be absorbed.
6. Finally, stir in the frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or just after the rice is done, allowing them to heat through and retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Chef’s Tip: For an extra layer of creaminess and indulgence, consider stirring in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a dollop of cream cheese during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkle cheese on top and cover until melted before serving.

Watch the Recipe Video!

Seeing the recipe come to life can be incredibly helpful. Watch Julia Pacheco’s detailed video below for visual guidance through each step of preparing this incredible Ham, Chicken, and Rice Casserole. It’s a great way to ensure you’re following along perfectly and gain extra tips!

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about casserole recipes like this Ham, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

• Cheesy Goodness: While the recipe is delicious as is, a cup of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking, or sprinkled on top before serving for extra gooeyness.
• Vegetable Boost: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, green beans, or corn kernels can be added along with the onions and garlic, or with the peas.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can be added to the broth mixture.
• Herb Alternatives: Feel free to experiment with different dried or fresh herbs. A touch of dried oregano, rosemary, or fresh parsley stirred in at the end can elevate the flavor profile.
• Creamy Casserole: For an even creamier consistency, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, or a splash of heavy cream. This adds a richer, more indulgent texture.
• Different Proteins: No ham? Try cooked turkey, sausage, or even omit it for a chicken-only version. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

These variations allow you to make this casserole truly your own, ensuring it’s always a hit at your dinner table.

Serving Suggestions

This Hearty Ham, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is a complete meal in itself, offering a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and vegetables. However, you can always complement it with a few simple sides to round out your dinner experience:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any delicious juices.
• Steamed Vegetables: If you want more greens, a side of steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans can be a lovely addition.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: For a heartier side, roasted carrots or sweet potatoes can pair wonderfully with the savory casserole.

Storage and Reheating

This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

• Storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole. Place cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating (Microwave): For individual servings, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through, stirring halfway.
• Reheating (Stovetop): For larger portions, transfer to a pot with a splash of chicken broth or water, cover, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Reheating (Oven): If reheating a whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.

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