Bacon Cheddar Chicken and Rice Bake

(Courtesy of whatscookingintheburbs.blogspot.com)

Ingredients:
4 Tbsp. butter
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 c.)
4 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. Kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
3 1/2 c. chicken stock
3 1/2 c. milk
1 1/2 c. uncooked long-grain rice
3 c. cooked chicken, cubed (can use a rotisserie chicken)
1 1/2 c. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 c. cooked crumbled bacon

Directions:

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook onions until translucent. Add garlic, seasoned salt, and pepper. Add flour and mix well. Cook until starting to color. Stir milk and stock into flour mixture.Turn heat to medium high and add one cup cheese and continue to whisk as mixture comes to a simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning.

 

Add rice and lower heat to medium low. Cook until the rice absorbs most of the liquid and is tender, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add chicken and bacon to the rice and sauce mixture. Pour mixture into a 9 x 13 inch casserole.

 

Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar on top of the casserole. Place in oven and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbling.