After a long day, no matter what’s happened, everyone wants to come home for a rest; take a spell on the couch, let the stresses of the day melt away, and enjoy the warming flavors of a home-cooked meal. Tastes-Like-Home Chicken & Rice is a simple yet indulgent casserole; cheesy, savory, and hearty, filled with shredded chicken, tender rice, and fresh broccoli. A crispy breadcrumb topping works its magic too, ensuring you feel nice and cozy when it matters most. Tastes-Like-Home Chicken & Rice helps you to wrap up the day in the most peaceful and tasty way!
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups 2% reduced-fat milk, divided
- 2 (8.8-ounce) packages precooked microwavable brown rice
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 3 cups chicken, shredded and cooked
- 6 ounces fontina cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered, sautéed
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Directions
Step 1 –Adjust an oven rack about 6-inches from the heat source.
Step 2 –Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Step 3 –Whisk together the flour and 1 cup of the milk in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 4 –In a large, broiler-safe skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining milk and cook, stirring, until it reaches a boil.
Step 5 –Reduce the heat to medium and gradually whisk the flour mixture into the milk until smooth.
Step 6 –Return the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 7 –Boil the mixture, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 8 –Stir the rice and the broccoli into the milk mixture until combined.
Step 9 –Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is bright green, about 2 minutes.
Step 10 –Add the chicken, the fontina cheese, the cremini mushrooms, the salt, and the pepper to the rice mixture, stirring until the cheese is melted.
Step 11 –Transfer the skillet from the heat.
Step 12 –In a bowl, stir together the panko, the thyme, and the oil and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken mixture.
Step 13 –Bake the skillet in the oven until the casserole is bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Step 14 –Turn the oven to broil and broil the casserole until the top is golden-brown, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 15 –Transfer the skillet from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 16 –Serve.
