Sunday Ham Casserole

Ingredients

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 sprigs thyme
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 2 tablespoons, room temperature, divided
• 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1 medium poblano pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 2 cups ham, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
• fresh parsley, optional, to taste, chopped, for garnish