Chicken Rice Casserole

Ingredients

For  Single recipe    (Serves 4 to 6)

Chicken and Vegetable Mixture:

Sauce:

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Get out 13x9x2-inch rectangular baking dish(es); set aside.
  3. Place cooked chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt; mix.
  4. Steam cauliflower, broccoli, sliced broccoli stems, and zucchini until tender; add to bowl and toss.
  5. Cook corn and beans; add to bowl and toss.
  6. Cook the rice according to package directions; add to bowl and mix in. (Note: I use basmati rice; for a creamier casserole try jasmine or some other short grain rice.)
  7. Heat butter in a sauté pan. Add onions and cook until tender.
  8. Mix together flour, salt, pepper, curry powder, poultry seasoning, and paprika. Add to sauté pan. Mix with butter until nice thick paste forms.
  9. Add broth and milk to butter mixture.
  10. Using a wire whip stir flour mixture into liquids.
  11. Cook on medium heat until mixture begins to thicken.
  12. If you are adding the optional grated cheese to the sauce, turn off the heat and whisk in the cheese until the sauce is smooth.
  13. Add sauce to bowl; toss to coat the rice and vegetables.
  14. Pour casserole mixture into a 9x13 baking dish.
  15. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  16. When casserole is ready the top should be crisp and the middle of casserole should be hot to the touch.

Comments

For a richer casserole consider adding the optional cheese.

I often double this recipe and bake the second casserole the following night.

I realize this seems like a very complicated recipe, but after you have prepared it a few times it gets easier to make.

I really like this recipe because I feel like it's a much healthier way to make a casserole. If you look at the ingredients label on any store box casserole mix I can guarantee you will not be able to pronounce let alone identify all of the chemicals they put in it to make it edible. I also like this casserole because it includes meat, veggies and a starch that will fill up my hungry family and satisfy their nutritional needs.

Try making this casserole with noodles instead of rice! Go to chicken noodle casserole.

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