Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole

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

Description

This Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting, and hearty meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy long-grain white rice, and a luscious plant-based creamy cheese sauce. Enhanced with smoky smoked turkey bacon and savory aromatics, it delivers a rich flavor and satisfying texture, perfect for family dinners and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced

Grains & Broth

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 1 cup plant-based creamy cheese
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Dice the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
  2. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: In a large skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until slightly crisp. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Cook until the chicken starts to brown but is not fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Stir in the plant-based creamy cheese along with the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and whisk gently to combine. Let the sauce simmer lightly until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Combine Rice and Ingredients: Fold in the rinsed rice and cooked smoked turkey bacon carefully, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbling.
  7. Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes out of the oven before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and enhances the overall texture.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice before cooking ensures a fluffier texture without stickiness.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Cooking smoked turkey bacon first infuses the pan with smoky fat and flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to get a creamy but not overly thick sauce.
  • Cover tightly with foil or lid during baking to trap steam and cook rice perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken and rice, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, easy dinner, gluten free

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