casserole essentials:lazy sunday chicken casserole

How To Make casserole essentials:lazy sunday chicken casserole

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Cook the rice, according to package directions, but use 20 percent less liquid, and reserve.
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  Step 3
  Chef’s Note: To get the best rice, place it in a saucepan with a tablespoon or two of sweet butter, then turn the heat up to high, and make sure the rice is cooked with the butter. Finally, pour in the liquid while it is scalding hot, cover, reduce to low, and allow to simmer. BOOM… excellent rice every time.
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  Step 4
  Add the bacon to a sauté pan over medium heat.
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  Step 5
  Cook the bacon until the fat renders, and it begins to brown.
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  Step 6
  Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and reserve.
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  Step 7
  Drain all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat from the pan, and add the onions.
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  Step 8
  Chef’s Note: If you don’t have a full 2 tablespoons of bacon fat, make it up by adding unsalted butter.
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  Step 9
  Sauté over medium heat until the onions begin to soften, about 5 – 7 minutes.
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  Step 10
  Add the garlic and continue to cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds.
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  Step 11
  Add the flour, and stir into the onion/garlic mixture.
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  Step 12
  Continue to stir for an additional 2 minutes.
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  Step 13
  Add the chicken stock.
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  Step 14
  Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 5 – 7 minutes.
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  Step 15
  Place a rack in the middle position, and preheat the oven to 375f (190c).
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  Step 16
  Chef’s Note: While the mixture is simmering, add salt and pepper, to taste.
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  Step 17
  Add in the chicken, artichokes, reserved bacon, and precooked rice.
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  Step 18
  Bring the mixture up to a light simmer.
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  Step 19
  Add the hot mixture to an oven-proof baking dish.
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  Step 20
  Chef’s Tip: If you want to, you could just use the pan that the mixture was cooked in.
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  Step 21
  Add the shredded cheese to the top.
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  Step 22
  Combine the topping ingredients together in a small bowl, and then add to the top of the casserole.
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  Step 23
  Place in the preheated oven, and bake until bubbly hot, about 18 – 22 minutes.
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  Step 24
  Chef’s Tip: If you desire a crispy top, finish by placing it under a broiler for a minute or so.
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  Step 25
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 26
  Serve while still nice and warm, with some nice homemade rolls. Enjoy.
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  Step 27
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
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