Description
This Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe is a warm, comforting, and simple dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers rich flavors and balanced nutrition with easy preparation and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for any weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and soaked briefly
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dairy Alternatives
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (mozzarella or cheddar style), shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Vegetables: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavorful base.
- Sauté Chicken and Season: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until golden and thoroughly cooked. Sprinkle with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to build layers of flavor.
- Combine Rice and Broth: In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice with vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Stir in the cooked smoked turkey bacon and mixed vegetables, mixing evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Lightly grease a casserole dish. Spread the sautéed chicken mixture evenly on the bottom. Pour the rice and vegetable mixture over the top, pressing gently to compact. Sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese evenly across the surface for a creamy finish.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown beautifully. Once bubbly and golden, remove from oven and let rest before serving.
Notes
- Rinse and soak rice briefly before using to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Use warm vegetable broth to help rice cook evenly and reduce baking time.
- Gently fold ingredients together to keep rice fluffy and casserole light.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set properly.
- Adjust plant-based cheese amount on top for extra creaminess if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, plant-based cheese casserole, turkey bacon casserole, easy dinner recipe, comforting meal, gluten free casserole
