Oven Chicken Risotto (but with ham)

Tonight's dinner was from my friend, Laura, and it was really good! We both thought it was tasty - very rich and filling. I had some honeybaked ham slices in the freezer so I used that instead of chicken. Laura says you can use it with a variety of items depending upon the season (or what's in your freezer!) and just use the rice as a base.

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I really love risotto but don't have the patience for it. This gave the same texture and taste without any of the work!

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Oven Chicken Risotto

2 tbsp butter

2.5 cup chicken broth

1 cup Arborio rice (short grain)

1/2 small onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 cups chopped deli roasted chicken (or any other cooked meat)

8 oz shredded mozzarella

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (I skipped - I really don't like tomatoes)

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1. Preheat oven to 400. Place butter in 9x13 pan and bake 5 minutes or until melted. Stir in broth and next 4 ingredients.

2. Bake, covered, at 400 for 35 minutes.

3. Remove from oven, fluff rice with fork. Stir in chicken, cheese, tomatoes, and spinach.

4. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes to warm through.