Family Comfort Meal (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
3 tablespoons Butter (unsalted)
02 -
1 ½ cups Chopped Yellow Onion
03 -
6 cloves Garlic, sliced thin
04 -
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (dried)
05 -
¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
06 -
1 ¾ teaspoons Kosher Salt, split
07 -
3 tablespoons Flour (all-purpose)
08 -
2 ½ cups Whole Milk
09 -
Cooking Spray
→ Main Components
10 -
4 cups Shredded Rotisserie Chicken
11 -
2 Frozen Spinach Packs (10 oz each), thawed and squeezed
12 -
3 cups Cooked Long-Grain White Rice
13 -
4 ounces Cream Cheese (chive & onion flavor)
14 -
1 teaspoon Grated Lemon Zest
15 -
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
→ Topping
16 -
¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
17 -
8 ounces Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (part-skim)
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and move the rack to a higher spot. Coat a 9x13 pan with some cooking spray to keep things from sticking.
02 -
In a big skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and ¾ teaspoon of salt. Keep it moving for about 4 minutes until the onions look soft and clear.
03 -
Add the flour to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk, little by little, mixing the whole time so it doesn't clump up. Keep stirring until it thickens a bit, which should take 3 minutes.
04 -
Drop in the cream cheese along with the last teaspoon of salt. Stir until smooth and melted. Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken, spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice so everything blends together nicely.
05 -
Scoop the mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is all gooey.
06 -
Switch the oven to broil after it bakes. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the top turns bubbly and golden brown.
# Notes:
01 -
You can save time by using rice that's already cooked or prepping it earlier.
02 -
Squeeze as much water as possible from the spinach to avoid extra liquid in the dish.
03 -
This dish can be prepped in advance and stored in the fridge. If starting cold, bake 10-15 minutes longer.
04 -
Leftovers stay fresh for up to 3 days in a sealed container in the fridge.