Meal: Chicken and Rice Casserole with Peas, Carrots, and Cheddar
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
4 slices white sandwich bread, torn into large pieces
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/4 cup)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 carrots, peeled and chopped medium
salt
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup flour
3 1/2 cups chicken broth
3 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
ground black pepper
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups frozen peas
2 tbsp minced parsley leaves
Directions
1. Process the bread and butter in a food processor until coarsely ground, about six 1-second pulses; transfer to a bowl, toss with the Parmesan cheese, and reserve.
2. Separate the tenderloin from the chicken breasts.
3. Slice both tenderloin and chicken breasts into 1" x 1" x 1/4" blocks
4. Melt 4 tbsp butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
5. Add carrots, onion, and 1 tsp salt
6. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 8-10 minutes.
7. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
8. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute.
9. Slowly whisk in the broth and milk and bring to a simmer, whisking often.
10. Stir in rice, cayenne pepper, and 1/8 tsp ground black pepper and return to a simmer.
11. Turn heat to medium-low, cover, and cooking, stirring often, until the rice has absorbed much of the liquid and is just tender, 20-25 minutes.
12. Add the chicken and continue to cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink, about 4 minutes.
13. Remove from heat and stir in cheese and peas; season to taste with salt and pepper.
14. Pour mixture into a 13x9 baking dish and sprinkle with the bread-crumb topping.
15. Bake at 400 until topping is browned and casserole is bubbling, 20-25 minutes.
16. Allow to cool for 10 minutes; serve with parsley.
Source
The Best Chicken Recipes, p281