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Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken and Rice Casserole

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain white rice, smoky turkey bacon, vibrant vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it combines simple pantry staples with rich flavors and minimal prep to deliver hearty satisfaction with ease.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 100g smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small strips

Grains

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 bell peppers, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Liquids and Sauces

  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)

Dairy and Binders

  • 1 cup plant-based cheese (melty variety), shredded
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent, lightly dissolved in water

Herbs and Spices

  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into small strips and cut the chicken into cubes or bite-sized chunks to ensure smooth and stress-free cooking.
  2. Cook the Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside. Using the same pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and bell peppers for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a flavorful aromatic base.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet and sear until lightly browned on all sides. Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika to build a savory depth of flavor and seal in the juices.
  4. Combine with Rice and Broth: Transfer the cooked turkey bacon, sautéed vegetables, and browned chicken into a casserole dish. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Stir to combine thoroughly, ensuring the rice is fully submerged for even cooking.
  5. Add Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese evenly over the mixture. Incorporate the natural gelling agent dissolved in a little water to bind the casserole during baking, resulting in a creamy yet cohesive texture.
  6. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables for vibrant colors and crisp textures.
  • Do not overcook the rice; watch the cooking time to keep grains fluffy and avoid mushiness.
  • Season generously throughout the cooking process to layer and enhance flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to improve texture and flavor melding.
  • Using a cast-iron pan can provide even cooking and a desirable crust on the bottom.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 casserole
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: thirty six g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, one dish meal, comforting dinner, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/chicken-and-rice-casserole/