Creole Chicken Casserole(Microwave)
A flavorful Creole chicken casserole with smoky ham, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for a quick microwave meal that combines bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon red pepper sauce ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cut up ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked smoked ham, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 cup tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (6 1/2 oz.) can shrimp, rinsed and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix rice, chicken broth, red pepper sauce, chopped onion, and crushed garlic in a 3-quart casserole.
- Cover and microwave on High for 9 to 11 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in cooked chicken, chopped smoked ham, tomato paste, chopped green pepper, whole tomatoes (break up with a spoon), and rinsed shrimp.
- Cover tightly and microwave for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes, until hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper sauce to your taste. If you don't have smoked ham, cooked sausage can be a great substitute. You can also use brown rice instead of instant rice; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Consider adding vegetables like zucchini or corn for extra nutrition. For a creamier texture, stir in some cream cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Creole Chicken Casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Kayla's Favorite Chicken Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Homemade Rice Pilaf. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in a covered dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creole Chicken Casserole(Microwave) contains roughly 472 calories, with 23g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (148% of the Daily Value), protein (46% of the Daily Value), and potassium (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 914mg per serving (40% 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 use raw chicken instead of cooked?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure proper cooking and safety. If you only have raw chicken, consider cooking it separately before adding it to the casserole to avoid undercooked meat.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken and ham with plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add more vegetables such as mushrooms or beans to maintain a hearty texture.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, assemble the dish and wrap it tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before microwaving. If frozen after cooking, ensure it's cooled completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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).