Chicken, Brocolli and Rice Casserole

Of all the casseroles my family loves, this is one of my family's favorite casserole dishes, especially after a holiday such as Thanksgiving or Christmas Chicken, Brocolli and Rice Casserole. I use the leftover turkey or sometimes leftover chicken (you can also use canned chicken in a pinch) and combine it to make a delicious family meal. My kids and husband love it and look forward to it so much that often even when there are no holiday's, I am asked to make this for something special.

Ingredients:

1 13 X 9 pan

2 cups of rice

2 cups shredded chicken or turkey (canned chicken if nothing else is available).

1 package frozen brocolli florettes

1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite flavor cheese)

1 cup of mayonnaise (can also use miracle whip if desired)

1 can cream of chicken (or cream of celery) soup

1 cup of milk

1 Tablespoon curry powder

garlic seasoning to taste

Dash of lemon juice

dash of dijon mustard to taste

In the bottom of a 13 X 9 pan place uncooked rice.

On the top of the rice place the shredded chicken or turkey (or use canned chicken or turkey)

On the top of the turkey place brocolli florette. It is not necessary to thaw brocolli, however make sure to break pieces apart and spread the broccoli out over the top of the layer chicken or turkey.

Mix together the mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup (or celery soup) milk, curry powder, garlic seasoning, dash of dijon mustard and dash of lemon juice (to taste). You want a nice creamy pourable consistency so you may need to add more milk (Dijon mustard or lemon juice) depending on how thick the mayonnaise and cream of chicken (or celery) soup are. Gently, so as not to disturb the layer of rice too much, spread this mixture over the top of the layer of brocolli spreading the mixture evenly to all of the corners of the pan.

Cover the creamy mixture with a generous amount of shredded cheese. You can also put bread crumbs on top of the cheese (or crushed potato chips) for an added crunch to your casserole.

Bake your newly completed masterpiece in a 375 degree oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour until cheese is melted, top is browned and rice is done.

This is a great family meal served warm from the oven with fresh bread or bread sticks and a nice tossed green salad.

Note: adjust the flavors according to your family's preferences by adjusting the amounts of curry, Dijon mustard and the lemon juice. My family loves the stronger flavor of the Dijon and curry and lemon so we go rather heavy on those. I have given the minimum amounts in this recipe.