Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

There are a couple of things that are great about this recipe. First of all, it is very budget friendly. Instead of using Cream of Chicken soup, you make a simple sauce from scratch. Also, any casserole with rice as the base is going to lower the cost of the meal. Second, it's a great way to sneak broccoli into your family's diet!

Ingredients:
- 4 Cups Cooked white rice (I just popped some into my rice cooker.)
- 2 Cups Cooked chicken, cubed
- 2 Cups Fresh broccoli, chopped into bite size pieces
- 1 1/2 Cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/3 Cup Flour
- 1 Cup Milk
- 1 1/2 Cups Chicken broth
- Salt and Pepper
- 1/3 Cup Crumbled Ritz Crackers*
- 1 tsp Butter, melted


Instructions:
1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add in your fresh broccoli. Allow to cook until the broccoli turns bright green, about 3 minutes. Strain the broccoli and set aside.
2. Melt 1/4 butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Once it is completely melted, add in your flour and allow to cook for 1-2 minutes. Begin slowly adding your milk and chicken broth. Once all of the liquids are incorporated, allow the sauce to simmer for about 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken. Salt and pepper to taste. (Be generous. At least 1/2 tsp each.)
3. Put the rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and stir well. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish or 9x13 pan.

4. Mix together the cracker crumbs and butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.

5. Bake casserole at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

*This is about half a sleeve of Ritz Crackers. I just put them in a ziplock and let my 18 month old go to town smushing them. :)