Chicken Broccoli Supreme - No Canned Soup

It's been awhile since I posted a chicken, broccoli and rice casserole recipe.

This one is different because it has poppy seeds in it and since Ritz crackers make everything better, I crushed them up and sprinkled them on top instead of the same-old bread crumb.  Crushed Ritz crackers not only add a rich and buttery flavor, but they give the casserole a nice soft crunch in each bite.  So so good when mixed with the creamy sauce, melty cheese and crisp broccoli.  

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Chicken Broccoli Supreme

From: Jenn@eatcakefordinner

(Printable Recipe) or (Printable with Picture)

2-3 c. fresh broccoli, steamed
1 1/2 c. cooked chicken, shredded
1 1/2 c. cooked rice
1/2 c. Cheddar, grated, for topping

Sauce:
2 Tbl. unsalted butter, melted
3-4 Tbl. flour
1/2 c. low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 c. milk
3/4 c. half-and-half (I used fat-free)
salt and pepper
1/4 tsp. onion powder, or to taste
1/4 tsp. garlic powder, or to taste
1/4 tsp. lemon pepper, or to taste
3/4 c. Cheddar cheese, grated

Topping:
1 pkg. Ritz crackers, crushed (I used low-fat)
2 Tbl. unsalted butter, melted
1/2 Tbl. poppy seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  For the sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.  Whisk in the flour, one Tablespoon at a time, until a thick paste forms.  Cook for a few minutes.  Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.  Gradually whisk in the milk and the half-and-half.  Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and lemon pepper.  Continue cooking over medium heat until thickens and reaches a good creamy sauce consistency.  Taste and add more seasonings, if needed.  Whisk in 3/4 cup of grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted.  

Layer the steamed broccoli, cooked chicken and cooked rice in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.  Pour sauce over the top.  Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.  

For the topping: Combine crushed crackers, melted butter and poppy seeds.  Toss together until crackers are evenly coated in butter.  Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.  Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and crackers are lightly toasted.  Makes: 4 big servings

Jenn's Notes: Instead of mixing my crushed crackers with melted butter, I sprayed them lightly with butter spray to save a few calories.  I figured most people won't have butter spray, so I included melted butter in the recipe instead.

Inspired By: Just Get Off Your Butt and Bake