Broccoli Chicken Bake

From Tammy's Recipes
 
Ingredients:

• 16 ounces frozen broccoli florets (or about 3 cups fresh broccoli florets)
• 3 cups cooked cubed chicken
• pepper
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup*
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• paprika, optional
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups rice (uncooked measurement), cooked according to package instructions (should make 4 1/5 cups of cooked rice)

Instructions:

1. In covered saucepan, cook broccoli in water just until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. In greased 9 x 13 baking dish, spread broccoli across bottom and sprinkle chicken evenly on top. Generously sprinkle black pepper over chicken.
3. In mixing bowl, combine cream soups, mayonnaise, curry powder, and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Pour over chicken. Sprinkle paprika on top if desired.
4. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Spread cheese on top and bake 5-10 minutes longer, until melted and slightly browned.
5. While casserole is baking, cook rice. Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over hot rice

Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth*
• 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder**
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder***
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or less; taste to test)
• 1/4 teaspoon parsley
• dash of paprika
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 3/4 cup flour

Instructions:

1. In medium-sized saucepan, boil chicken broth, 1/2 cup of the milk, and the seasonings for a minute or two (longer if using fresh onions or garlic).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of milk and flour. Add to boiling mixture and continue whisking briskly until mixture boils and thickens.

Additional Notes:

*I use the broth from my oven-roasted chicken. Refrigerate broth and then take fat off the top. If you're using chicken bouillon + water for your broth, you may want to add a little extra seasonings, such as lemon pepper, extra garlic, or seasoned salt, since my broth normally has bits of those in it. You can also add bits of chicken, but if you have good rich chicken broth, you probably won't need any chicken in it.
**Or, diced onions (boil with broth for a few minutes)
***Or, fresh minced garlic (boil with broth for a few minutes)