Baked Cheese And Rice Casserole
A comforting baked casserole combining tender chicken, ham, broccoli, and melted cheese, topped with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for family dinners and gathering friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a long casserole dish.
- Partially cook the broccoli, drain thoroughly, and place in the buttered dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the broccoli.
- Cover the chicken with slices of Virginia ham.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, lemon juice, egg, mayonnaise, sage, milk, dry mustard, worcestershire sauce, and salt, then spread over the casserole.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F until the casserole bubbles, approximately 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your casserole, consider adding sautéed onions or garlic to the mixture. You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if desired, and use leftover cooked chicken for quicker prep. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne or swap cheddar for a mix of your favorite cheeses. This dish is reminiscent of American recipes like Grandma'S Baked Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside a tangy cranberry sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or as a comforting weeknight dinner, reminiscent of Cuzzin' Carl'S Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring even heating. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cheese And Rice Casserole contains roughly 45 calories, with 1g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge, ensuring it's heated through and bubbly.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup or a vegan substitute like cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Just make sure to pre-cook denser vegetables like carrots to ensure they soften during baking. This will add color and nutrition to your casserole.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).