Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

A totally "safe" yet yummy and comforting recipe that’s sure to please everyone. No cream of whatever condensed soups involved. From niceats.blogspot.com.

Ingredients:

2 cups long grain brown rice (you can use white rice)
4 cups chicken broth without problem ingredients (Kristina makes her own)
4 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk, divided
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder


Directions:

1. Cook rice in chicken broth according to package directions. In my case, I threw it all in the rice cooker and let it cook there. Trust me, the rice is so much better cooked in chicken broth instead of water!

2. While rice is finishing cooking and broccoli is steaming, begin cooking the chicken. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken is cooked through/no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. When rice has about 10 minutes left to cook, steam broccoli in microwave for 5-7 minutes (I used frozen broccoli, if you are using fresh, adjust cooking time accordingly).

4. In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1/2 cup milk. When flour is completely dissolved, pour into medium saucepan along with the remaining 1 and 1/2 cups milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thickened, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 and 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder, stirring until melted.

5. Preheat oven to broil.

6. Butter 9 x 13 inch baking dish. (I do not use Pam or any similar non-stick spray because of the chemicals. I simply take about a tablespoon of butter and rub it around in the baking dish so that the dish is completely coated).

7. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, chicken, and cheese mixture. Pour into prepared 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

8. Broil in oven until cheese on top starts to brown, about 5 minutes.