Description

This Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, smoky turkey bacon, and melty plant-based cheese into a creamy, comforting bake. Enhanced with aromatic onion, garlic, and a natural gelling agent, this dish offers a balanced texture and rich flavor perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Grains & Base

1 cup white or brown rice (medium-grain recommended)
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (natural), warmed

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies

Flavorings & Seasonings

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Dairy & Texture

1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
1 tsp natural gelling agent

Instructions

Prepare the smoked turkey bacon and aromatics: Cook the smoked turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat in the skillet and sauté until soft and fragrant.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is sealed and just cooked through, achieving a golden color without drying out.
Combine rice and liquids: In a separate bowl, mix the warmed vegetable broth with apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and black pepper. Stir the raw rice into this mixture to start softening the grains and blending flavors.
Assemble the casserole: In a casserole dish, layer the cooked chicken mixture, crisp smoked turkey bacon pieces, frozen peas or mixed veggies, and the rice soaked in broth. Evenly sprinkle the shredded plant-based cheese over the top, then lightly dust with the natural gelling agent to ensure a creamy, firm texture once baked.
Bake until bubbly and golden: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly and the cheese to melt into a golden crust.

Notes

Use warm broth to ensure even rice cooking and texture.
Do not skip sautéing onions, garlic, and chicken to build deep flavors.
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing neater.
Medium-grain rice is ideal for balancing fluffiness and creaminess in casseroles.
Layer ingredients evenly for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, gluten free dinner