1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed and softened
1½ tablespoons poppy seeds
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 (12-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets, thawed
1 cup crushed buttery round crackers
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a shallow 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook rice according to package directions, substituting broth for water. Set aside.
In a 12-inch skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle flour over onion; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Add cream cheese; cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until cream cheese is melted and smooth, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in poppy seeds, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese mixture, rice, chicken, and broccoli, stirring to coat. Spoon mixture into prepared dish. Loosely cover with foil.
Bake until heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, toss together crushed crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake until crumbs are lightly browned, about 8 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Recipe by Southern Lady Magazine at https://southernladymagazine.com/chicken-broccoli-poppy-seed-casserole/