oh so good…skinny chicken and rice

Even when I am trying to eat lighter and make better choices there is one thing that I must have…CHEESE.  Now I know this is not the best must have, I mean obviously must having veggies are a better option but as long as I can have some cheese every now and then I am a much happier “skinny” eater & this chicken and rice casserole makes me happy for sure.

Casseroles are also a must have…they are so easy, and if done right it can be balanced and full of flavor without a ton of guilt with some veggies & protein thrown in for good measure.  Growing up my mom made a ton of casseroles, especially chicken and rice casseroles, some were better than others, but this recipe takes all the best from my mom’s casseroles and puts it into one casserole that has been lightened-up!

[mpprecipe-recipe:109]

To make this a skinnier version I started with brown rice instead of white rice and then threw in some roasted broccoli…I love roasted broccoli and it adds a great flavor to this dish.  Now one of my favorite parts of chicken and rice casserole is the creamy gravy that wraps itself around the rice, chicken and veggies making for a perfect bite…and this casserole has that but without any canned soups or added fat.  To make the creamy gravy I used reduced fat sour cream and greek yogurt instead of the more traditional cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup (FYI…they both kinda freak me out a bit) and I loved how it all turned out.  The casserole had a little tang from the sour cream and yogurt but was still rich from the cheese and chicken and then with the roasted broccoli & it all comes together perfectly.

This casserole dish would be perfect for this dish…plus the color is AMAZING!!

Trust me no one will know this is a skinner casserole…it has everything you love about the more traditional version without the guilt.

Happy (half) Baked Life -MJ