Broccoli Cheddar Chicken & Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked rice (white, extra-long grain)
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 10.75-oz. cans condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, pepper and garlic powder
• 1 12-oz. bag frozen broccoli florets (or about 3 cups fresh)
• 2 sleeves butter crackers, crushed (such as Ritz or Town House)
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the bottom and sides of a 3-quart 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.

2. 2

   In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cheddar soups and 1 teaspoon salt until smooth. Set aside one cup (not more) of the soup mixture. To the remaining soup mixture, stir in uncooked rice then pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

3. 3

   Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces then season with salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. Arrange chicken pieces on top of rice mixture.

4. 4

   Arrange broccoli florets on top of the chicken.

5. 5

   Pour reserved soup mixture evenly over broccoli. Cover dish very tightly with aluminum foil then bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Combine crushed crackers, melted butter and garlic and mix well. Remove casserole from oven, remove aluminum foil then sprinkle cracker topping evenly over casserole. Continue baking, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove from oven and let rest for at least 15 minutes then serve. Don't skip this step - it's needed for the rice to continue cooking and the casserole to set up properly.