I love a good casserole – I mean, aren’t they just the ultimate comfort food? Sure, they are mostly boring, but they just scream “home” to me (even though my mom never really made them, hmm). I also like them because they’re simple and they warm up nicely, so they’re perfect to make after a long day at work.

This casserole recipe is hardly revolutionary, but it is missing one thing that is a staple in most casserole dishes – cream of (fill in the blank) soup. That’s right, even without the mystery soup, this casserole still manages to be delicious and not at all dry. Make it the next time you’ve had a long day at work and bask in the comfort of it!

Printable Recipe
Serves 3

ingredients:
1/2 cup uncooked rice
1 cup water
1/2 white onion
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups shredded chicken (I used a rotisserie chicken)
salt and pepper, to taste
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 tbsp flour
6 oz frozen broccoli
1/2 cup shredded swiss cheese
1 tbsp Italian breadcrumbs
hot sauce for garnish

instructions:
Pour the rice and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the water has been absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork and set aside.

While the rice is cooking, chop the onion. In a large oven-safe skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat, then add in the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions are just starting to get tender.

Add the chicken into the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

While the chicken and onions are cooking, whisk together the milk and flour in a small bowl.

Pour the milk mixture into the chicken and onions and cook for 3 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken and bubble.

Microwave the broccoli for 2 minutes, or until no longer frozen. Add the rice and broccoli into the chicken, and mix well.

Mix 1/4 cup cheese into the mixture, and top with the remaining 1/4 cup cheese.

Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Place the pan in the oven and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the breadcrumbs are toasted.

Drizzle with hot sauce if desired, and enjoy!

What’s your favorite kind of casserole dish?