Comforting Family Dinner (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Cooking Spray
02 -
3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
03 -
1 ½ cups Yellow Onion, finely chopped
04 -
6 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
05 -
2 teaspoons Dried Italian Seasoning
06 -
¼ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper
07 -
1 ¾ teaspoons Kosher Salt, divided
08 -
3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
09 -
2 ½ cups Whole Milk
→ Main Components
10 -
4 ounces Chive and Onion Cream Cheese
11 -
4 cups Rotisserie Chicken, shredded
12 -
3 cups Long-Grain White Rice, cooked
13 -
2 packages (10 ounces each) Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out
14 -
2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
15 -
1 teaspoon Lemon Zest
→ Topping
16 -
8 ounces Part-Skim Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
17 -
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Adjust the oven rack to the upper third position. Coat a 9x13-inch baking dish evenly with cooking spray.
02 -
In a large nonstick skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, and ¾ teaspoon of the kosher salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are softened and translucent, approximately 4 minutes.
03 -
Stir in the flour and continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk, continuing to stir constantly to prevent any lumps, until the mixture slightly thickens, about 3 minutes.
04 -
Incorporate the cream cheese and the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt into the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is homogeneous. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked rice, drained spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
05 -
Transfer the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the top. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese on top is melted, approximately 15 minutes.
06 -
After baking, turn the oven to broil. Broil the casserole for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
# Notes:
01 -
For a time-saving option, use pre-cooked rice or prepare the rice ahead of time.
02 -
Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
03 -
This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
04 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.