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Our family's treasured gathering dish has always been this heartwarming Party Bake. For years we've brought this to social events where the delicious mix of wild rice, juicy chicken, flavorful ham, and fresh broccoli creates a meal that gets everyone asking how we made it.
The first time I whipped this up was when my spouse's parents visited for their initial holiday stay. The wonderful smells filled my kitchen during baking, and I knew we'd found a new family tradition when everyone reached for more.
Ingredients
- Wild rice: Adds a wonderful nutty taste and fancy texture that turns this from basic to impressive
- Frozen chopped broccoli: Super handy and brings nice green color and health benefits
- Cooked chicken: Gives you soft, tasty protein that works perfectly with the creamy mixture
- Diced ham: Brings in that yummy smokiness that makes each bite more interesting
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Makes that can't-resist golden top and soft middle
- Jarred mushrooms: Add rich earthiness without having to wash and cut fresh ones
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy sauce base and keeps everything nice and moist
- Prepared mustard: Gives a bit of zing that cuts through the richness
- Curry powder: Adds unexpected warmth and depth – try to get recently packed curry for best results
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Pulls all the flavors into one smooth, creamy sauce
- Parmesan cheese: Creates that amazing crunchy golden topping as it bakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Base Ready:
- Follow the package tips for cooking your wild rice until it's just right. This might take around 45 minutes, but you'll love the nutty taste it brings. While that's happening, get your broccoli thawed and cut up your already-cooked meats.
- Stack Your Components:
- Start by spreading your cooked wild rice across the bottom of a greased dish. This bottom layer soaks up all the tasty sauce. Then add layers of thawed broccoli, chicken pieces, ham chunks, cheddar, and finally your drained mushrooms.
- Mix Up Your Sauce:
- In a bowl, stir together your mayo, mustard, curry powder, and soup until it's nice and smooth. Don't worry about the curry – it won't taste strongly of it, just adds a nice warmth that makes people wonder what your secret is.
- Finish and Cook:
- Now pour your sauce mix all over everything, making sure to cover it all. Sprinkle Parmesan on top to get that golden finish. Cook it uncovered until you see bubbles around the sides and the top turns a nice brown, usually about 45 minutes in most ovens.
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My grandma always used her fancy curry powder from the global foods store in this dish. She'd send me little containers of it when I went off to university, and whenever I smell that special aroma, I'm instantly back at her Sunday dinner table with the whole family.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This dish works great when made ahead of time. You can put it all together up to a day before you need it. Just wrap it up in plastic and keep it cold. When you're ready to cook, let it sit out for half an hour first to warm up a bit, then bake as normal. If you cook it straight from the fridge, just add about 10 minutes and check that it hits 165°F in the middle.
Ingredient Substitutions
What I really love about this dish is how adaptable it is. Got leftover turkey? Throw that in instead of chicken. Don't have wild rice? Brown rice works fine for a milder taste. Cauliflower can swap in for broccoli if that's your thing. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the meat and double up on mushrooms – try using different kinds for more flavor depth. There are even dairy-free options using plant-based cheese and non-dairy cream soup.
Serving Suggestions
This bake works as the main attraction alongside a simple green salad with tangy dressing to balance the richness. For special times, try adding some cranberry sauce on the side – the sweet-tart flavor goes amazingly well with the savory dish. Don't forget some crusty bread so nobody misses a drop of that creamy sauce. If you're serving wine, go for a medium Chardonnay or Viognier that won't fight with the subtle wild rice and curry flavors.
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When you try this Party Bake with its perfect mix of flavors and endless options to customize, it'll quickly become one of your most requested dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can fresh broccoli replace frozen broccoli?
Of course! Just chop it up and steam it slightly before assembling the dish.
- → Is there a good wild rice substitute?
Sure! Swap it with quinoa, brown rice, or even white rice, whatever fits your taste.
- → Can this be prepped in advance?
Yes, you can put it together, refrigerate for up to a day, then bake when you're ready.
- → How can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Just skip the chicken and ham. Add veggies or plant-based proteins like tofu instead.
- → What other cheeses would taste good here?
Try swapping in Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella for a twist on the flavor.