Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

My whole family LOVES this recipe. I tried it when I was experimenting to see if avoiding gluten would help me feel better. Now I just make it using all purpose flour and whole wheat bread crumbs. We've had it several times, and it's on the menu this week.

Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole <~~~~~ Gluten free!

My version:

CHICKEN BROCCOLI CHEESE CASSEROLE

3 cooked chicken breasts, shredded

1 cup cooked brown rice

1 lb fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped

2 Tbs. of butter

2 Tbs. flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp of pepper

1/2 tsp. of dried mustard

1 1/2 cups of milk

squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

1/2 cup bread crumbs for topping

1/4 cup slivered almonds for topping

Directions:

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Add the flour, salt, pepper, and mustard, and cook 2-3 minutes until bubbly and foamy. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in the shredded cheese. Place the brown rice, chicken, and broccoli in a casserole dish and pour the white sauce over the top. Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice if using and mix until combined. Spread the breadcrumbs and slivered almonds over the top. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees.