My Mom's Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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I could eat a whole pan of this. ..i've found that the texture of the sauce comes out grainy when i use pre-shredded bags of cheese - for best results, use a good quality block of cheese and grate it yourself. ..i hope you enjoy this! it's pure comfort food to me.

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Steps

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Preheat oven to 350.

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Start the broccoli and rice:.

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Cook broccoli and rice as per the package instructions.

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When broccoli is done , drain , let cool and dice.

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Mix chicken , broccoli , and rice in a greased 9 x 13 pan.

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For the sauce:.

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Heat half and half in microwave til bubbles appear around sides of bowl , but it does not boil.

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Set aside.

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Melt butter in small saucepan.

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Add flour and stir crazily til incorporated but not browned.

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Add half and half.

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Bring mixture to a boil , whisking continuously.

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Reduce heat , and gradually add cheese , whisking to incorporate , til melted.

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Add cream of mushroom soup gradually , whisking til incorporated.

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Pour sauce over the dry ingredients and combine well.

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Season to taste with salt.

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Cover casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

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Uncover and let bake 15 minutes.

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Garnish with paprika.

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Ingredients

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cooked chicken, frozen broccoli florets, white rice, salt, paprika, flour, butter, half-and-half, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup