yummy chicken & rice casserole

How To Make yummy chicken & rice casserole

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  Step 1
  PREP/PREPARE
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  Step 2
  Gather your ingredients.
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  Step 3
  Chef’s Note: The soup base is one of the ingredients that makes this dish. As I’ve mentioned before, I seldom cook using processed or canned ingredients, and this casserole is no exception to the rule. Here’s the recipe for the base of this casserole. It’s easy to produce, and makes all the difference in the world. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/other-soup/master-recipe-cream-of-whatever-soup-base.html
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  Step 4
  Cook the rice using 50% less water than recommended, and cut the cooking time in half. I want the rice cooked, but not “fully” cooked.
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  Step 5
  Cook the chicken breasts, and then shred, and reserve.
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  Step 6
  Chef’s Note: I like to season them with a bit of salt and pepper, and then sauté them in some butter and oil. You can purchase pre-shredded chicken from your local market... But where's the fun in that?
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  Step 7
  Mix the panko, and Parmesan together, and reserve.
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  Step 8
  Place a rack in the bottom position, and preheat the oven to 400f (205c).
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  Step 9
  Lightly butter an ovenproof baking dish (9x13), and reserve.
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  Step 10
  Add the butter to a sauté pan over medium heat.
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  Step 11
  When the foaming subsides, add the onion, celery, and garlic.
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  Step 12
  Sauté until the onions begin to soften, but not brown, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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  Step 13
  Reduce the heat to low, and add the shredded chicken, the soup base, and the rice.
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  Step 14
  Chef’s Note: If you are using the optional peas, and broccoli, add them now.
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  Step 15
  Stir until the mixture is warmed through, but not boiling.
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  Step 16
  Chef’s Tip: If the mixture is a bit thick, add a little chicken stock to thin it down.
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  Step 17
  Chef’s Note: At this point taste and do any final seasoning (salt, pepper, etc.).
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  Step 18
  Add the mixture to the reserved baking dish.
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  Step 19
  Place the Provolone slices over the top of the mixture.
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  Step 20
  Top with the Parmesan/Panko mixture.
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  Step 21
  Bake in the preheated oven until the top begins to lightly brown, about 30 minutes.
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  Step 22
  PLATE/PRESENT
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  Step 23
  My favorite way to serve this is rustic style. Place the baking dish on a sideboard with a big spoon, and tell your guests to dig in. Add some good crusty bread, and a nice side salad, and you’re in business. Enjoy.
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  Step 24
  Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
• Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!