Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Casserole

Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Casserole

Julia

This Gluten-Free Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table without any gluten worries. Tender pieces of chicken breast mingle with fluffy rice, colorful vegetables, and a rich, creamy sauce that's naturally thickened without wheat flour. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of protein, wholesome grains, and vegetables in a harmonious blend that the whole family will love.

Inspired by classic American casserole traditions, this one-pot wonder eliminates the stress of preparing multiple dishes while ensuring everyone at your table can enjoy a safe, delicious meal. The creamy sauce is made with a simple combination of chicken broth, milk, and cornstarch, creating a luxurious texture that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken. Fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, and celery add both nutrition and a pleasant pop of color and texture.

What makes this casserole truly special is its versatility and convenience. It's perfect for busy weeknights when you need a filling meal without hours of preparation, yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The dish bakes to golden perfection with a slightly crispy top layer while remaining moist and creamy throughout. Best of all, it uses simple, readily available gluten-free ingredients that don't compromise on flavor or texture.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet by necessity or choice, this casserole proves that comfort food can be both safe and spectacular. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep, and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Serve it straight from the oven with a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying dinner that will become a regular in your recipe rotation.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

1 hour 10 minutes
None servings
425 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 48.00g
Protein 35.00g

Ingredients

1.5 lbsboneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1.5 cupslong-grain white rice, uncooked
3 cupsgluten-free chicken broth
1 cupwhole milk
3 tbspcornstarch
2 tbspolive oil
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
2 mediumcarrots, peeled and diced
2 mediumcelery stalks, diced
1 cupfrozen peas
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1 tspdried thyme
1 tspdried parsley
1.5 tspsalt
0.5 tspblack pepper
1 cupshredded cheddar cheese (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
wooden spoon or spatula
small mixing bowl
fork
sharp knife
plate
Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
Aluminum foil or oven-safe lid

Clean Eating

Compliant with clean eating guidelines by using whole, minimally processed ingredients like fresh chicken, vegetables, rice, and simple seasonings without artificial additives or refined products.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is perfectly designed for gluten-free diets, using naturally gluten-free ingredients like rice, cornstarch, and chicken, and avoiding all wheat-based products. The recipe specifically highlights its gluten-free status in the description.

Intermittent Fasting

An excellent meal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing balanced macronutrients with lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and nutrient-dense vegetables to support satiety during limited eating periods.

Mindful Eating

Supports mindful eating with its varied textures, colors, and whole food ingredients that encourage slow, conscious consumption and sensory appreciation of a balanced, nutritious meal.

Weight Watchers

This casserole aligns with Weight Watchers principles by featuring lean chicken breast, non-starchy vegetables, and using controlled portions of whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and season with half of the salt and pepper.

5 min
3

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2 min
4
6 min

Add the chicken cubes to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

5

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

6
5 min

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

7
1 min

Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

8

In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth with no lumps.

1 min
9

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.

10

Pour in the chicken broth and the milk-cornstarch mixture. Add the thyme, parsley, and remaining salt and pepper. Stir everything together well.

1 min
11

Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet and add the frozen peas. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly.

1 min
12
3 min

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

13

If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the casserole.

14

Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven.

15

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

45 min
16

Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.

5 min
17

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions