Gluten Free Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked medium-grain white rice (316 g)
• 2 cups bite-size cooked chicken (280 g)
• 3 cups small broccoli florets (210 g)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (360 g)
• 1 cup whole milk (240 g)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (16 g)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, divided (113 g)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack (113 g)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (3 g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1 g)

Instructions

1. Prepare dish. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Place cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli in a large mixing bowl. Set aside one small handful of cheddar for the top, keeping the remaining ingredients within reach before starting the sauce.
2. Thicken sauce. Warm chicken broth and milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a separate small bowl. Whisk the slurry into the hot liquid and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce lightly coats a spoon.
3. Mix filling. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, remaining cheddar, and Monterey Jack until the cheese begins melting. Pour the warm sauce over the rice mixture. Fold gently with a wide spatula until the chicken, broccoli, and rice are evenly coated.
4. Bake and rest. Spread the filling evenly in the prepared dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, until the center is hot and the broccoli is tender. Remove foil, add reserved cheddar, and bake 8 to 10 minutes more until melted and lightly browned. Rest uncovered for 10 minutes before scooping.

Notes

• Cooked rice should be cooled enough to separate easily before mixing. Very hot rice can thicken the sauce prematurely, making it harder to coat the broccoli and chicken evenly.
• For frozen broccoli, thaw it fully and press it dry in a clean towel before use. Extra water can dilute the sauce and leave the casserole soft around the edges.
• Use an instant-read thermometer if you need confirmation that refrigerated cooked chicken has reheated fully in the center.

Nutrition Facts