You can try many gluten-free chicken recipes, but I’ll suggest one that I think you’ll enjoy. It’s called the Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Casserole – a comforting and filling dish packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, veggies, and cheese. The best part? It’s gluten-free and dairy-free! You can whip it up in a slow cooker or bake it in the oven. Trust me, this is one of my all-time favorite dishes to make for my family and friends.
(There are related gluten-free recipes at the end of the article.)
Preparation:
● Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season them with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
● Give the brown rice a good rinse and make sure to drain it carefully.
● Chop up the onion and garlic. Slice the mushrooms and zucchini.
● Grate the dairy-free cheese. I prefer vegan cheddar but feel free to use any type you fancy.
● Measure out the gluten-free chicken broth, gluten-free soy sauce, olive oil, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Ingredients:
1. Heat some olive oil in a big frying pan on medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces for around 15 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they turn a nice golden brown and are fully cooked. Move them onto a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add some more olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until they become soft and translucent. Then, toss in the mushrooms and zucchini and cook for another 10 minutes until they turn tender and nicely browned. Finally, season with salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
3. In a small bowl, mix the gluten-free chicken broth and gluten-free soy sauce using a whisk. Keep it aside.
4. Spread the rice evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish, then pour the broth mixture over it and give it a good stir. Next, arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice and sprinkle some cheese over everything. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cheese has melted nicely.
5. Take off the foil and pop the dish under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese gets all bubbly and turns a lovely golden color. If you want, sprinkle some more parsley on top to make it extra fancy. Now dig in and enjoy your delicious gluten-free chicken and rice casserole!
The time and temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. This is a moderate temperature that will cook the rice and chicken perfectly without them getting burnt.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 45 minutes. This will help the rice absorb all the delicious broth and become nice and fluffy. The foil will also ensure that the cheese doesn’t dry out or get overly browned.
Remove the foil and stick it under the broiler for a few minutes. This will make the cheese all bubbly and golden, while also giving the dish a nice crunchiness.
Let the dish sit for 10 minutes before serving so that the casserole can be set and become easier to cut and serve.
Tips:
Be careful not to overcook the chicken or rice. If you cook them for too long, the chicken might end up dry and tough, while the rice could become mushy and sticky. You want the chicken to be juicy and tender, and each grain of rice should be separate from one another, light and fluffy.
Be careful not to burn yourself with a hot dish or cheese. The dish and cheese can get very hot after baking and broiling, so make sure to use oven mitts and a spatula when handling them. Give the dish about 10 minutes to cool down before cutting and serving, and remember to blow on the cheese before taking a bite.
Relate dish:
Gluten-Free Chicken Enchilada Casserole:
This dish is Mexican-inspired and it’s made by layering corn tortillas, chicken, black beans, salsa, and cheese in a baking dish. It’s gluten-free, has a spicy kick to it, and is loaded with cheesy goodness.
Gluten-Free Chicken Pot Pie:
This is a traditional American dish with chicken, veggies, and gravy all wrapped in a delicious pie crust. It’s gluten-free, super comforting, and oh-so-flaky!
Gluten-Free Chicken Alfredo:
This is an Italian dish with chicken, pasta, and a deliciously creamy cheese sauce. It’s gluten-free and incredibly indulgent.
Here are some ideas you can give a go. You could also browse the web or cookbooks for more gluten-free chicken recipes. I’m confident you’ll discover plenty of dishes to relish. Have an awesome day!