Description
This Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole is a wholesome, dairy-free dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked basmati rice, tender broccoli, and melted dairy-free cheddar cheese. Baked and broiled to perfection, it offers a comforting, nutritious meal suitable for those avoiding gluten and dairy.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups grated dairy-free cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups broccoli florets, rinsed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, melt the dairy-free butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate.
- Stir-Fry Chicken: Using the same skillet, add the chicken pieces and cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.
- Combine Rice, Broth, Chicken, Onions, Seasonings and Cheddar: In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked basmati rice, low-sodium chicken broth, sautéed chicken, sautéed onions, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of dairy-free cheddar cheese. Mix all well to combine evenly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish or Dutch oven. Cover with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Cook Broccoli Florets: While the casserole is baking, boil the broccoli florets in salted boiling water for about 5 minutes until they are tender yet retain a bright green color. Immediately transfer them to cold water to cool, then drain thoroughly.
- Top with Broccoli and Cheddar and Broil: Once the casserole has finished baking, evenly distribute the cooked broccoli over the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of dairy-free cheddar cheese. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven and broil for about 5 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes lightly golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm, enjoying this nutritious, gluten-free, and dairy-free meal.
Notes
- You can substitute basmati rice with any long-grain gluten-free rice if preferred.
- For added flavor, consider adding garlic or herbs such as thyme during sautéing.
- Ensure the dairy-free cheddar cheese used melts well for a nice topping.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on dietary restrictions.
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture and flavor.
