Chicken, Broccolini, and Wild Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

4 tsp salt, divided

4 cups chopped fresh broccolini

2 Tbs butter 

½ cup chopped onion

1 ½ cups milk

2 Tbs all purpose flour

2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, divided

1 Tbs chopped fresh thyme

1 Tbs whole grain mustard

4 cups cooked brown rice

3 cups shredded cooked chicken

1 cup crushed butter crackers

1 Tbs. butter, melted

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Grease a 2 quart baking dish.
• Bring a large sauce pan of water and 2 tsp of salt to a boil.  Add broccolini and cook 1-2 minutes until tender crisp.  Drain and transfer broccolini to a bowl of ice water.
• In same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add onion; cook until softened.  
• In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour; add milk mixture to pan.  Increase heat to medium high.  Cook, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.  Remove from heat.  Gradually whisk in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese until melted.  Whisk in thyme,mustard, and remaining 2 tsp salt.  Stir in Broccolini, rice, and chicken.
• Spoon mixture into baking dish.  Sprinkle with crackers, melted butter, and remaining cheese.  
• Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until cheese is melted and casserole is hot and bubbly.  Let stand for 10 minutes.