Description
Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fragrant herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, offering a nutritious, protein-packed meal that is easy to customize and delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell peppers)
Herbs and Spices
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken pieces until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet. In the same skillet, add diced onions, minced garlic, and mixed vegetables, cooking until softened and aromatic.
- Combine Rice and Flavorful Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice with the softened vegetables. Pour in vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and ready to absorb the liquids.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the rice and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish if not cooking in a single pot. Arrange the partially cooked chicken pieces evenly on top. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese generously over the casserole. Add fresh parsley and thyme on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole tightly with foil to retain moisture. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to let the flavors settle and the rice firm up for perfect serving portions.
Notes
- Choose the right rice: long-grain rice stays fluffy whereas short-grain rice provides a creamier texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to avoid a runny texture.
- Use fresh herbs just before serving to brighten the flavor.
- Check broth levels to ensure rice cooks fully without drying out.
- Place chicken pieces on top during baking to keep them juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Chicken casserole, rice casserole, plant-based cheese, one-pot meal, comforting dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free casserole
