CREAMY AND CHEESY CHICKEN AND RICE

4 Tbs butter

2 Tbs minced garlic

4 cups shredded, cooked chicken breast

4 cups steamed rice (2 cup raw)(brown or long grain)

1/4 cup all purpose, unbleached flour

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

2 cups chicken broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Top with 1 1/2 Cups shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

1/2 tsp dried thyme or 1 Tbs fresh thyme

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Melt butter into a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Whisk in flour, thyme, salt and pepper then slowly pour in chicken broth whisking continuously. Whisk until thick and nearly boiling then stir in cheese until melted.

Stir in rice and chicken and then transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Bake 25-30 minutes. Top with additional cheddar cheese, if desired, and return to oven until melted.