Chicken and Rice Casserole Bake

Delicious!...chicken and rice with a creamy garlic sauce together all in the same casserole.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup butter
• 1⁄4 cup flour
• 2 -4  fresh minced garlic cloves, to taste (optional)
• 1 2⁄3 cups evaporated milk or 1 2⁄3 cups half-and-half cream
• 1⁄4 cup  grated parmesan cheese
•  seasoning salt or   salt and pepper
• 1 1⁄2 cups  good-quality chicken broth
• 3  cups cooked long-grain rice (white or brown)
• 2 1⁄2 cups  cooked chicken, diced
• 1 1⁄2 cups  canned mushrooms, drained or 1 1⁄2 cups  fresh sauteed mushrooms
• 1⁄3 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1⁄4 cup pimiento
•  parmesan cheese, for topping (any amount)

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 2-quart baking dish (or a larger dish if desired).
3. In a saucepan, over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter.
4. Whisk in flour; stir for 1 minute.
5. Add in the minced garlic; stir for 1 minute.
6. Whisk in the evaporated milk or half and half cream (if using), and the broth; keep whisking until smooth and thick (about 2-3 minutes).
7. Add in the 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper.
8. Add in the cooked rice, chicken, mushrooms, green pepper and pimiento; mix to combine.
9. Transfer the mixture to a prepared baking dish.
10. Sprinkle with more grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
11. Bake, uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly, and heated through.