Description

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a cozy, flavorful, and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy (plant-based) cheese, smoky turkey bacon, and vibrant vegetables. Easy to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, it makes a wholesome meal perfect for weeknights and meal prep, delivering a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and veggies in every warm, melty bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Grains

2 chicken breasts, diced
1 cup white rice, uncooked
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers and peas)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Sauces

1 1/2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
2 tbsp olive oil

Dairy and Thickeners

1 cup shredded creamy (plant-based) cheese
1 tsp natural gelling agent

Seasonings

1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Prep and Sauté Aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes, to build the flavor foundation.
Cook the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Add diced chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until just opaque. Then add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until slightly crispy to infuse smoky richness.
Combine Rice and Vegetables: Stir in the uncooked white rice along with the mixed vegetables, coating the rice in the flavorful mixture for baking.
Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and apple cider vinegar (natural). Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the natural gelling agent and stir well to combine evenly.
Transfer and Bake: Pour the entire mixture into a baking dish. Top with shredded creamy (plant-based) cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until the rice is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and make it easier to cut into portions that hold together well.

Notes

Use day-old cooked rice for a quicker preparation.
Do not skip resting time to help the casserole set and improve texture.
Check rice doneness at around 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Customize the cheese topping by adding breadcrumbs or extra crispy turkey bacon for texture contrast.
If the casserole browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to finish cooking evenly.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, plant-based cheese, comforting dinner, weeknight meal, turkey bacon casserole, creamy casserole, easy meal prep