Rice pilaf casserole

You will need:

• 1 lb boneless chicken breast from your local farmer
• 1 cup Rice (I like to use white Basmati rice for rice pilaf–I find brown rice takes a very long time to absorb broths)
• 1/2 cup Orzo pasta
• 1 cup Chopped fresh or frozen broccoli cuts (even better if you’ve grown it yourself in your garden)
• 2 cups Chicken broth( or 2 tbsp powdered chicken broth added to 1 cups water)
• 1/4 cup Flour
• 1 tbsp Finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp Ground rosemary
• 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
• Freshly ground pepper to taste
• Salt to taste
• 2-4 tbsp Butter

Step 1: Dice the breast meat of the sustainably raised chicken into very small pieces, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.  Place the diced meat into a medium-sized mixing bowl, cover with the flour, rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and toss until all the pieces of meat are evenly coated.

Step 2:  Saute the orzo pasta in about a tablespoon or so of butter over medium heat.  Stir frequently.

Step 3:  While the pasta is frying set 2 cups of broth or water in a medium-sized kettle on the stove to boil.  If using water add the broth powder now.

Step 4:  When the broth comes to a boil add the 1-cup of rice and reduce the temperature to a low simmer.

Step 5:  Once the orzo has browned to a golden color add the pasta to the rice and cook them together.

Step 6:  Using the same skillet, again at medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter then add the flour and herb coated diced chicken.  Saute until the meat is cooked through and golden brown in color.

Step 7:  While the chicken is cooking send mental thanks to your local farmer for raising meat you can eat without feeling guilty.  And in a small kettle boil or steam the broccoli until tender.  Finely chop the parsley.  Be sure to check the rice pilaf–you may need to add a little more water or broth to make sure all of the rice is cooked through.  Remove from heat when done.

Step 8:  Drain the broccoli completely once it’s cooked.

Step 9:  Add the rice pilaf, broccoli, and parsley to the cooked chicken in the skillet, combine well.

Step 10:  Serve and enjoy!