This gluten-free casserole makes for an easy and nutritious weeknight meal.
I’m one of those people who can eat a casserole any time of the year. Whether it’s the dead of winter or 110 degrees outside, casseroles will always be in style for me. There’s something so comforting about the mix of yummy ingredients that just makes my heart burst and my tummy feel so satisfied.
Casseroles are especially great when they involve bright broccoli, a thick swirl of melted cheese, chewy rice, tender chicken, and the creamy, rich taste of butter in every bite. Yum!
Plus, a one-pan meal makes cleanup an absolute breeze. Add this crowd-pleasing recipe to your list of Instant Pot go-tos for easy, nutritious, and delicious weeknight meals.
Is This Casserole Healthy?
This tasty recipe can be a healthy inclusion in a balanced omnivore diet. The chicken and cheese are great sources of protein, and the broccoli brings in an impressive amount of dietary fiber and vitamin C. There’s some fat in the butter and cheese, but those concerned about limiting fat content in their diets could opt for olive oil and reduced-fat cheese.
If you are trying to watch your carbs, you can easily swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. And if you’re vegan, you can sub in soy curls or chickpeas for the chicken, use olive oil instead of butter, and opt for one of the many varieties of plant-based cheese out there.
Where Does The Word Casserole Come From?
We often use the word casserole but rarely stop to think about where it came from, or what it really means. The term has existed in English for a couple of hundred years, originally used for the dish itself and later for the distinctive type of meals cooked in it. Before that, the word came from the French term casserole, meaning “sauce pan”, which in turn can be traced back to the Medieval Latin word cattia, which was used to refer to a “pan” or “vessel”. So, as you can see, the word casserole has quite the historic background!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or pop it into the freezer, where it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven in a casserole dish covered with foil at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
There is so much you can do to make this cheesy chicken and rice recipe your own! For a bit of a kick, consider adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce as you’re mixing in the chicken and cheese. To add more spice, you could add a sprinkle of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper. If you’re truly adventurous, try out this Pineapple Habanero Sauce. The heat will definitely give this casserole a south-of-the-border vibe. Top off your casserole dinner with a light treat, like a tangy Lemon Tart or this ridiculously easy Healthy Frozen Strawberry Dessert.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of pepper
- 2 cups broccoli cut into tiny pieces
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded (about 1 large breast)
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese grated and tightly packed (3 ounces)
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in your Instant Pot on 'Sauté' mode. Once melted, add in the onion and cook until it just begins to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the garlic and cook an additional minute or two until it begins to brown.
- Place the rice in a fine sieve and wash with water until the water runs clear. Add it into the Instant Pot along with the 1 cup of water, the salt, onion powder, and pepper, stirring to combine.
- Cover the Instant Pot (make sure it's set to 'Sealing') and cook on manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Once cooked, let steam release naturally (about 16 minutes).
- Once the steam has released naturally, open the Instant Pot and fluff the rice with a fork, stirring in the last tablespoon of butter. Stir in the broccoli, cover, and let sit 15-20 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
- Stir in the chicken and cheese until melty and combined.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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