Cheesy Chicken & Rice - Total Cost $7.20

 *This is my version of a Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole. 

Most ingredients used are Great Value Brand to be Budget Friendly.

I have included the cost for these items so you know exactly how much I spent on this meal,

if you are like me and are trying to budget your meals. 

Ingredients

1lb Chicken Breast $2.33

1 Cup Long Grain Rice (Great Value 16oz.) $0.76

1 Packet Cheese Sauce (Velveeta Box of 3 $3.28) $1.09

16oz./2 Cups Chicken Broth (Great Value 32oz $1.33) $0.67

1/2 Cup Plain Bread Crumbs (Great Value 15oz $1.12) $0.28

2 Cans Mixed Veggies (Great Value 1 Can $0.58) $1.16

2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup (Great Value 1 Can $0.58) $1.16

2 Sprigs Thyme (Fresh Organic 0.05oz) $2.08

2 Cups Water

1tsp Pepper

1tsp Garlic Powder

2tblsp Butter

Pinch Salt

*9" x 13" Casserole Dish 

*Aluminum Foil

Total Cost $7.20

 (Based on spices already in stock)

*Preheat Oven to 375 Degrees Fahrenheit*

THIS RECIPE HAS 4 PARTS:

Chicken, Rice, Cheese Sauce, Bread Crumbs

PART 1 CHICKEN

STEP 1)

Cook Chicken, Broth, and Thyme

I used an Instant Pot but will also include Stove Top instructions

In Instant Pot or Stove Top Pot:

Lay Chicken Breast Flat, Not Overlapping, in Bottom of Pot,

Lay Thyme Over Top of Chicken,

Pour 2 Cups Chicken Broth Over Chicken & Thyme,

(Do Not Toss Out Broth When Chicken is Done, You will need for Cheese Sauce)

Instant Pot

Close Instant Pot, Make Sure Vent is Sealed,

Set Timer to 12 Minutes.

Natural Release for 10 Minutes,

Then Manually Release Vent

Stove Top

On Medium High Heat,

Bring Broth to Boil,

Then Turn Down to Medium Low,

Cover Pot,

Let Simmer for 25 to 30 Minutes or Until Chicken is Cooked Through

STEP 2)

Remove Chicken from Stock,

Put Stock to the Side for Later,

Shred Chicken,

Place Chicken in Casserole Dish

PART 2 RICE

STEP 1)

This can be done while Chicken is Cooking

Place 1 Cup of Rice, 

2 Cups of Water, and 

a Pinch of Salt in Pot.

Follow Directions of Bag

STEP 2)

Once All Water is Absorbed,

Fluff Rice with a Fork,

Place in Casserole Dish w/Shredded Chicken

PART 3 CHEESE SAUCE

STEP 1)

Strain Chicken Stock, Place in Pot

Add in 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup,

and Velveeta Cheese Sauce

Cook on Medium and Stir,

Until Mixture Thickens 

and Completely Combines

STEP 2)

Add Cheese Sauce into Casserole Dish

With Chicken, Rice, and 2 Cans of Veggies

Add 1tsp Pepper, 1tsp Garlic 

Mix Together Until Evenly Combined

PART 4 BREAD CRUMBS

STEP 1)

Add 2 Tblsp of Butter to Pot,

On Medium Low Heat,

Melt Butter

STEP 2)

Add in 1/2 Cup of Bread Crumbs,

Gently Combine Until

All Buter Absorbed

STEP 3)

Fluff Bread Crumbs with Fork

STEP 4)

With Fork,

Sprinkle on Top of Casserole Combination

STEP 5)

Cover with Aluminum Foil,

Bake at 375 Degrees Fahrenheit

For 30 Minutes

STEP 6)

Uncover & Bake for 10 More Minutes

* 8 to 10 Hearty Helpings