Cheesey Chicken and Rice Casserole

1.5 T extra virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely diced
2 celery stalks, finely diced
2 T minced garlic
2 c shredded chicken thighs
2 c chopped broccoli
4 c steamed rice
1 t salt
1.5 t pepper

Cheese Sauce:
4 T butter
1/4 c flour
2 c chicken broth
3 c shredded cheddar, divided

Preheat oven to 350. Heat oil in large pan over medium heat. Saute onion, celery, carrots and broccoli until softened, about 10 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in chicken, rice, salt, pepper. Reduce to low heat.

To prepare cheese sauce, melt butter into a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Whisk in flour, then slowly pour in chicken broth whisking continuously. Whisk until thick and nearly boiling then stir in 2 c. cheese until melted. Pour cheese sauce into rice mixture then transfer to a 13 x 9 pand. Top with additional cheddar and bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted through.

Serves 8.

Number of Servings: 8

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user POOKIE219.