Cozy Chicken Parmesan Casserole

This family pleasing recipe is hearty and easy to make. Savory flavors of chicken, rice and spices meld in a creamy parmesan sauce. Yet it takes only minutes to prepare! This is my own, original recipe. Tested at high altitude.

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (14 ounce) can chicken broth, divided
• 1⁄2 cup white rice
• 1 (16 ounce) bag  frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 (10 1/2ounce) can  cream of chicken soup, 99% fat free
• 1  tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 1  tablespoon  dried onion flakes
• 1  tablespoon onion powder, divided
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded parmesan cheese (frozen OK)
• 4  boneless skinless chicken breasts (fresh or thawed)
•  salt and pepper
• 2  tablespoons  shredded parmesan cheese
• 1  tablespoon chives, freeze-dried or fresh snipped, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine 1 cup chicken broth with 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning, 1 Tbl. dried minced onion and 2 teaspoons onion powder in small saucepan. Bring to boil.
3. Add 1/2 cup white rice.
4. Cover, reduce heat and boil for 10-12 minutes (depending on altitude; 12 minutes at altitudes above 3500 feet).
5. Meanwhile, in medium mixing bowl, combine frozen mixed vegetables with remaining chicken broth, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (note: I buy shredded parmesan in bulk and freeze it; OK to use frozen parmesan in this recipe), and remaining poultry seasonning and onion powder.
6. When rice has finished parboiling, remove from heat and combine with vegetable mixture.
7. Spread rice-vegetable mixture in shallow 2-quart casserole or 13x9x2 pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
8. Lay chicken breasts atop rice mixture. Dust with salt (minimal, since condensed soup is so salty), pepper, additional onion powder and poultry seasoning.
9. Bake, uncovered for 45 minutes.
10. Add 2 Tbl. shredded parmesan and 1 Tbl. snipped chives and return to oven for 15 minutes.
11. Serve hot.
12. Note: At altitudes below 3500 feet, you may need to reduce liquids and/or cooking time.