ANDREA'S CHICKEN DIVAN

I was trying to make a stove top version of Chicken Divan. I really liked the way it turned out.

I add the broccoli in this recipe right before eating it. I was afraid the broccoli was going to get mushy. Mom also said when something, with broccoli in it, is reheated the flavor can change.

I put a little bit of cheese in it, but I think it would be good without cheese too. For cooking it without cheese, I'd recommend adding some McCormick's Season-all; it gives chicken a real good flavor.


Andrea's Make-Ahead-Stovetop Chicken Divan

This is really best made a day ahead!

6 lbs. chicken thighs
2 medium onions, finely chopped
2 cups uncooked brown rice, washed
1/2 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp. (or more) salt
OR try McCormick's Season-All (expecially if no cheese added)
coarsely ground black pepper
fresh broccoli, steamed

Place chicken in a large pot and add just enough water to cover chicken. Add onion and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and cook for 1 hr. Remove chicken. While chicken is cooling, strain broth and skim off most of the fat. Wash pot and pour broth in pot. Add brown rice to broth and bring to a boil, then turn down to lowest setting and cook for 30-35 minutes.

Add deboned chicken and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Add the cheese once this begins thickening; stir and cook until cheese melted and most of the water cooks out--which only takes a couple of minutes.

Before serving, the next day, adjust seasoning to taste and add the broccoli and cut up into flowerets. A little extra pepper really brings out the flavor.

I had this for lunch today and it was really good. You can't really tell it has brown rice instead of white. It has a good thick and creamy texture.