In The Kitchen: Casseroles Are Fun

Casseroles can be a lot of fun to serve as a side dish or a quick meal.  This one is one of our favorites.  Now, its not a recipe that my mom made.  I think I had it first in a restaurant in Colorado somewhere.  It's not fancy, but it could be!  You can spiffy it up for a special occasion by using Gruyere, or really, any cheese you like! 

  

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

     

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups cooked rice 

1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped

broccoli

1 small white onion, chopped

2 cups diced chicken

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or other cheese

4T butter

4T flour

1 1/2  cups milk

DIRECTIONS:

1.         Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2.         In a deep skillet melt butter over medium heat. Stir flour into melted butter until dissolved.  Add milk , stirring until sauce thickens.  Add cheese to sauce.  

3.         In a 9x13 inch baking dish, mix the prepared rice, chicken, cheese sauce, broccoli, and onion, .

4.         Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly. Stir halfway through cooking to help cheese melt evenly.