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–+ servings
Gluten Free Chicken and Rice Casserole in Baking Dish

Gluten Free Chicken & Rice Casserole

Matteo
A cozy, family-friendly casserole made with chicken, rice, and vegetables, naturally creamy, gluten-free, and ready in under an hour. Inspired by autumn evenings in New England and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • 9x13 casserole dish
  • mixing spoon
  • foil
  • oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (jasmine or basmati)
  • 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk or lactose-free whole milk
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • ½ cup shredded dairy-free or regular cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • ½ cup crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil (for topping mix)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion, garlic, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until fragrant and soft.
  • In a 9x13 casserole dish, add the uncooked rice, shredded carrots, sautéed aromatics, frozen peas, and cubed chicken. Sprinkle thyme, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir everything gently to combine. If desired, add 1/4 cup dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese and optional cracker topping, then bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbling.
  • Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes after baking. The rice will finish absorbing the liquid and set perfectly before serving.

Notes

Use jasmine or basmati rice for the best texture. For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup of dairy-free sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking. You can substitute chicken with turkey, lentils, or rotisserie chicken. Add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for a veggie-packed version. Optional toppings include crushed gluten-free crackers or oat streusel for a savory-sweet touch.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 28gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 5500IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2.2mg
Keyword chicken casserole, chicken rice bake, gluten-free dinner, one dish meal
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