One-Dish Creamy Chicken, Rice, & Broccoli Bake

Serves: 6-8 (9x13 inch dish) | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 50-60 minutes

The creamiest chicken and broccoli bake you'll ever make! This casserole is pure comfort food, and the sauce is perfectly savory thanks to the Clean Monday Meals Cream of Chicken and Bouillon. It's so good, you won't believe it's this simple (and allergen-friendly!).

Ingredients:

For the Base:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 4 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 teaspoon Clean Monday Meals Everyday Beef Seasoning (for the chicken)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 1 cup Clean Monday Meals Cream of Chicken powder
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 teaspoons Clean Monday Meals Chicken Bouillon
• 1 cup sour cream (or dairy-free sour cream/yogurt alternative)
• 1 teaspoon Clean Monday Meals Ranch Seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese (or dairy-free shredded cheese), divided

For the Topping:

• ½ cup crushed Gluten-Free crackers or chips
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (or plant-based butter/oil)

Instructions:

1. Prep and Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Cut the chicken into cubes and season lightly with Everyday Beef Seasoning.
2. Make the Cream Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the hot water and Chicken Bouillon until dissolved. Add the Cream of Chicken powder and continue to whisk until smooth. Stir in the sour cream alternative, Ranch Seasoning, and ¾ cup of the shredded cheese (or dairy-free substitute).
3. Assemble the Casserole: Add the uncooked rice, raw chicken cubes, and broccoli florets to the prepared sauce. Stir well to ensure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake (Covered): Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to steam and the chicken to cook through.
5. Finish Baking (Uncovered): Carefully remove the foil. The rice should be mostly cooked. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheese and the crispy topping mixture over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165∘F in the thickest piece).
6. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.