Chicken and Royal Basmati Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients

·        1 cup Royal® Basmati Rice

·        1 3/4 cups water

·        2 tablespoons olive oil

·        1/2 cup diced onion

·        2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

·        1 cup chicken stock

·        1/2 cup milk

·        2 cups shredded deli rotisserie chicken

·        1 cup chopped ham

·        1 1/2 cups (about 6 oz) shredded Swiss cheese

·        3/4 cup breadcrumbs

·        1 tablespoon melted butter

·        Chopped fresh parsley for garnish, if desired

Preparation

1.     Combine rice and water in a medium pot with a tight-fitting lid. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Set it aside.

2.     Heat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 10-inch round baking dish with olive oil; set aside.

3.     In a 10-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.

4.     Add onion; cook until tender and translucent, stirring occasionally.

5.     Add flour; stir to make a roux. Cook roux for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly golden.

6.     Gradually beat in broth with a whisk, followed by milk, and simmer until slightly thickened into a gravy.

7.     In a large bowl, mix chicken, gravy, ham, the cooked rice, and 1 cup of cheese.

8.     Spread evenly in the baking dish.

9.     In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs and butter to coat well.

10.  Add the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

11.  Top casserole with breadcrumb mixture; bake about 20 minutes or until top is crisp and golden and casserole is bubbling.

(Authentic Royal)