There’s nothing better than cozy comfort food on a chilly winter day! This chicken rice casserole is creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. You won’t even miss the gluten or dairy in this deliciously easy-to-make dish.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup vegan buttery spread
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour blend
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1.25 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅓ teaspoon pepper
- 3 cups cooked white rice (Basmati rice recommended, but any rice works)
- ½ cup dairy-free mozzarella shreds (e.g., Daiya brand)
- 1 ½ cups gluten-free garlic breadcrumbs
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a cast iron skillet, melt the vegan buttery spread over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, use a regular frying pan and transfer the mixture to a casserole dish later.
- Stir in the gluten-free flour blend and cook for 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the chicken broth and seasonings, stirring well. Then, add the chicken pieces. If desired, use kitchen scissors to cut the chicken directly into the skillet, saving you extra dishes.
- Stir in the cooked rice and dairy-free cheese shreds, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the liquid. Cover the skillet with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the garlic breadcrumbs (if making from scratch).
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy!
NOTES
- Be sure to cook the rice beforehand. You can use store-bought pre-cooked rice or make it ahead of time on the stove or in a rice cooker.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- If you prefer not to use breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips or cracker crumbs are a great alternative.
- If you don’t have a dairy-free cheese brand you like, feel free to omit it. The casserole will still be delicious.
NUTRITION (PER SERVING):
- Calories: 471 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 744mg
- Potassium: 520mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 752 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 37mg
- Iron: 1mg
