This is a great way to get the kids to eat veggies! If you’re looking for a cost conscious meal and something with a little more comfort feeling, then this is it. The nice thing about this recipe, if you hate broccoli, leave it out. The casserole will still be great!

Chicken Divan & Rice:

6-7 chicken tenders – $2.90
1 fresh broccoli head (steamed and chopped) – $.90
2 stocks celery chopped – $.40
2 large carrots, thinly sliced – $.30
1 can cream of mushroom soup – $.69
1 can (use the empty soup can) milk – $.15
1/2 c. cheddar or cheddarella cheese – $.50
1/2 c. sour cream – $.75
1/2 grated Parmesan cheese (you could use cheddar or other cheese) – $1.50
Bread crumbs to cover top of casserole (I used crushed croutons. Worked great!) – pantry
Salt – pantry
Pepper – pantry

COST: $8.09

Steam broccoli, chopped carrot and celery in 1/2 cup water and 1/2 tsp salt for 15 minutes, or until very soft. Drain well and set aside.

Cut chicken into 1 inch cubes and fry in 1 Tbsp canola oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

In a saucepan, blend milk, soup and cheddar cheese. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until creamed mixture is warmed thoroughly. Add steamed vegetables and then fold in sour cream.

Spoon cooked rice in 13x9x2-inch baking dish and spread evenly on bottom. Pour 1/2 of your warmed creamed/veggie mixture over rice. Make a layer of cooked chicken and top with remaining creamed mixture. Sprinkle casserole with Parmesan cheese and bread crumbs. Bake at 400° for 15 to 20 minutes.

Corn Muffins:

1 cup yellow corn meal – .25
1 cup flour – .25
1/3 cup sugar – .20
1 egg – .13
1 cup milk – .50
3 tablespoons melted butter – .20
1 tsp salt – pantry
2 1/2 tsp baking powder – pantry

COST: $1.53

Preheat oven to 400.  Combine corn meal, flour, baking powder, sugar and salt until well mixed.

Beat egg, add milk. Pour milk and egg mixture into dry ingredients, stirring until mixed. Add melted butter and mix again, briefly.

Bake for 15-20 mins in a greased shallow pan or muffin tins. Serve hot with butter! Yummmm.

GRAND TOTAL: $9.62