Broccoli Casserole Supreme

I was hunting for recipes on Recipezaar and couldn't find something that I had all the ingredients for, so I had to create something using what I had. This isn't as quick and easy as some similar recipes, but used fresh veggies and real rice . It also tasted fantastic, and my family loved it! The preparation stretched a small package of boneless skinless chicken breasts into a meal that could feed 8 people!

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 3  boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2  cups rice
• 4  crowns fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 (10 3/4ounce) can  cream of chicken soup
• 8  ounces cheese spread (Like Cheese Whiz)
• 1 (10 3/4ounce) can chicken broth
• 1⁄4 cup  finely chopped green pepper
• 8  ounces  finely shredded cheddar cheese
•  garlic salt

Directions

1. Brown chicken breasts in a small amount of oil until cooked through.
2. Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and season if desired (I used Emeril's Southwest Essence).
3. Meanwhile, cook the 2 cups of rice in 4 cups of water for 15 minutes (or as directed on package), and steam broccoli florets in a colander over boiling water for about 5 minutes.
4. Broccoli should be crunchy but edible.
5. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
6. In a very large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken pieces, steamed broccoli, green pepper, soup, cheese whiz, chicken broth, shredded cheese, and a little garlic salt if desired.
7. Mix thoroughly and turn into a 9x13 pan coated with cooking spray.
8. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until top is slightly browned and casserole is bubbly.