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This BLT Chicken Rice Bake Casserole has a medley of flavors and textures. It features crispy, smoky bacon with tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice enriched with tangy tomatoes, complemented by a gooey, melted cheese throughout. This gluten-free BLT chicken rice bake casserole has it all, creamy, cheesy and crunchy all baked together in one dish. It’s a stress-free meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
3 Reasons Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole
Flavor: This casserole has the salty crunch of bacon, the savory depth of seasoned chicken, and the tangy freshness of tomatoes, with creamy melted cheese baked with rice.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Traditional BLT flavors are transformed into a hearty meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners or casual get-togethers.
Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet. Just ensure all ingredients, especially the bacon and any pre-shredded cheeses, are gluten-free.
Extras
Tomatoes: Using heirloom tomatoes not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish with a rich, sweet fresh flavor. If heirloom tomatoes are unavailable, any ripe tomato will work.
Adding Greens: For an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, consider adding a handful of chopped spinach, diced zucchini or thinly sliced kale to the skillet when you combine the rice and tomatoes.
Soaking Rice In Boiling Water Before Cooking: The Benefits
Improved Texture: Soaking the rice helps to soften the grains. This pre-soaking process allows the rice to absorb water and expand, which leads to a fluffier, more tender texture once it’s cooked. It helps in preventing the rice from becoming too sticky or clumping together.
Better Flavor Absorption: Soaked rice has a better ability to absorb flavors from the other ingredients in the casserole dish.
Nutrient Accessibility: Soaking can help break down some of the phytic acid found in rice, which can help improve nutrient absorption.
BLT Chicken Rice Bake Casserole: Key Benefits
Convenience and Simplicity
One-Pan Cooking: Most casseroles are prepared in a single oven-safe dish, which simplifies both cooking and cleanup. This makes them a great option for busy days or when you want to minimize kitchen chores.
Time-Saving
Make-Ahead: Rice casseroles can be prepared in advance, making them ideal for meal prep. They freeze well, allowing you to make a large batch and enjoy it later.
Less Hands-On Time
Once a casserole is in the oven, it typically requires little attention, allowing you to focus on other tasks or relax while your meal cooks.
One-Dish Meal
This well-balanced rice casserole includes protein, vegetables, and grains all in one dish, making it a convenient way to ensure a nutritious meal.
Cost-Effective Economical
This BLT rice bake casserole dish yields multiple servings, providing good value for the amount of food prepared. This makes it a cost-effective meal.
Leftovers
Casseroles generally store well in the refrigerator or freezer, making them convenient for leftovers. They often reheat nicely, maintaining their flavor and texture over time.
Substitutions
Bacon: Turkey Bacon, is a leaner alternative that still provides a similar savory flavor. Pancetta or prosciutto can add a delicious depth to the dish. Or, you can use cooked gluten-free sausage, either chicken or pork.
Vegetarian: For a meat-free option, choose a gluten-free vegetarian bacon substitute, or firm tofu or tempeh.
Basmati Rice: Use Jasmine or long grain rice for similar texture. For a high-protein and gluten-free grain, quinoa is a great substitute. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Garlic:
Shallots: Finely chopped shallots can offer a milder, sweeter flavor.
Gluten-Free Dried Basil:
Use fresh basil if you have it on hand. Increase the amount and add it at the end of cooking for the best flavor. Or, use Oregano, Thyme, Sage or Italian Seasoning for a different flavor.
Cheese options:
Monterey Jack: A good melting cheese that adds a creamy texture.
Fontina: Another excellent melting cheese with a rich flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Provides a similar sharpness and melts well.
Gruyère: Adds a nutty flavor and is excellent for melting.
Vegan Cheese: If you need a dairy-free option, use a gluten-free, vegan cheese that melts well, or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, though it won’t melt like cheese.
The Seasoned Olive Oil: Extra Flavor
Mix olive oil, finely chopped garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, and chili flakes to taste. Drizzle this mixture over the tomatoes and season with salt. The garlic oil gives this BLT chicken rice bake exceptional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This BLT Chicken Rice Bake Casserole is delicious enough to stand alone as a satisfying main dish. However, it pairs wonderfully with following sides for a hearty nutritious meal.
This gluten-free BLT Chicken Rice Bake Casserole is a standout savory comfort dish that combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fluffy basmati rice into an easy weeknight meal. The smoky bacon adds a crunch, while the gooey melted cheese ensures a creamy texture.
Fresh tomatoes introduce a tangy sauciness to the dish, creating a balanced blend of flavors and textures. This casserole is perfect for busy days or stress-free dinners, that’s both hearty and easy to prepare. Enjoy!
Place rice in a bowl and pour 3 cups of boiling water over the rice. Set aside for 15 minutes
3.
Meanwhile, in a large oven-proof skillet that has a lid (4 1/2 quart), cook the bacon over medium heat until the fat renders, then remove the bacon from the pan. Set aside.
4.
To the same skillet, add the onion, and sauté until it starts to soften. Add chicken cubes and brown on all sides. Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil less half a teaspoon, and bay leaf.
5.
Drain the rice and add it to the skillet, add diced tomatoes, and 2 cups of water and 2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered for 12 - 15 minutes until the rice is mostly cooked.
6.
Once the rice is cooked, stir in 1 cup of Havarti or Gouda cheese. If needed, transfer the rice to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheese over the casserole. Lay the sliced tomatoes on the cheese and arrange bacon around the tomatoes
7.
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil and chili flakes (if using). Spoon the seasoned oil over the tomatoes and season with salt.
8.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Garnish with fresh basil before serving to add freshness, flavor and color.
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