Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese: A Delightful Healthy Comfort Meal

Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese is precisely what you need if you’re looking for a healthy, comforting, and simple meal. This Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and flavorful seasonings to create a Delicious Casserole that’s light on calories but big on taste. There is no canned soup or cheese—just wholesome ingredients. You can feel good serving this Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole: No Soup No Cheese. Whether you feed your family or meal-prep for the week, this Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese will become a favourite. Let’s dive into the Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese recipe!

Ingredients for Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for your casserole

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 ½ cups long-grain fresh white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ½ cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning fresh chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika—heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant. This will add depth and attractive flavour to your casserole.

3. Cook the Rice

Combine the rice with 3 cups of chicken broth in a large bowl. If you prefer brown rice, you may need to increase the cooking time to 45-50 minutes. Cook the rice as directed until it is tender and absorbed by the liquid.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Preheat the oven up to 375°F or (190°C). Combine the cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped chicken, and broccoli florets in a large baking dish. Stir in any remaining broth and season with thyme (if using). Mix everything, ensuring the rice is evenly spread.

5. Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with clean aluminium foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is fully cooked. Uncover the dish in the last 5 minutes of baking if you want a crispier top.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove your casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. Spoon generous portions of the casserole onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!

Serving and Enjoying Your Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

Ladle a portion onto a plate or bowl to serve your Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese. The warm, savoury casserole is perfect, or you can pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Each Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese spoonful contains tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli, making every bite a treat. Savour the comforting flavours while knowing that you’re enjoying a nutritious, Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole, No Soup, No Cheese dish without all the extra calories and processed ingredients.

Chef’s Tips for Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

1. Use Bone-In, Skinless Chicken for Extra Flavor

While boneless chicken breasts work well in this recipe, bone-in, skinless chicken pieces (like thighs) can add more flavour to the casserole. The bone imparts extra richness to the dish, which enhances the overall taste.

2. Season the Chicken Well

Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken! Before cooking, rub it with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary). The seasoning will infuse the chicken with flavour and elevate the dish.

3. Saute the Onion and Garlic

For a more aromatic casserole, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant before adding them. This extra step brings out the onion’s natural sweetness and garlic’s depth, creating a more flavorful base.

4. Add a Little Lemon Zest

Add a little lemon zest to the casserole before baking for a fresh, zesty twist. This will brighten the dish and balance the richness of the chicken and rice. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice over the casserole before serving.

5. Try Brown Rice for More Fiber

If you’re looking for a healthier option, swap out white rice for brown rice. Brown rice has more fiber, which will help keep you fuller for longer. Remember that brown rice requires more liquid and a slightly longer cooking time so that it can be adjusted accordingly.

6. Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth

Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to keep the casserole lighter and control the sodium content. The chicken and seasonings will still provide plenty of flavour without extra salt.

7. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent addition to this casserole, but be careful not to overcook it. If using fresh broccoli, add it to the casserole just before it directly goes into the oven so it cooks through but still retains some bite. If using frozen broccoli, you can thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture.

8. Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

For texture contrast, consider adding a crunchy topping like toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of crushed crackers (like Ritz) in the last 5 minutes of baking. This will give your casserole a delightful crispiness on top without adding cheese or processed ingredients.

9. Let It Rest After Baking

After removing the casserole from the oven, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the attractive flavours to meld together and your casserole to firm up, making it easier to serve in neat portions.

10. Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Finish your casserole with a garnish of fresh parsley or fresh thyme for a pop of colour and freshness. The herbs add visual appeal and a fragrant flavour that complements the dish nicely.

By following these tips, you’ll ensure your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese turns out perfectly every time—flavorful, nutritious, and full of comfort!

The nutrition information for Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese can vary depending on the specific ingredients and the portion sizes used. However, here’s an approximate breakdown of a basic recipe serving six people.

Approximate Nutrition per Serving (1/6 of the casserole)

• Calories: 350–400 kcal
• Protein: 35–40 g
• Carbohydrates: 30–35 g
  • Fiber: 2–4 g (depending on if you use brown rice)
  • Sugar: 3–5 g
• Fat: 8–12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1–3 g
• Cholesterol: 75–95 mg
• Sodium: 400–500 mg (depends on the type of chicken broth used)
• Calcium: 30–50 mg
• Iron: 2–3 mg
• Vitamin A: 10–15% of daily value (due to the broccoli)
• Vitamin C: 40–50% of daily value (due to the broccoli)

Key Notes

Protein: Chicken is the absolute primary source of protein, making this casserole a good choice for a high-protein meal.

• Carbohydrates: Rice contributes the majority of the carbs. You can substitute cauliflower rice or another low-carb alternative to reduce carb content.
• Fat: The fat content comes from the chicken and the oil or butter used for sautéing. You can reduce the fat by using less oil or opting for a leaner chicken cut, like chicken breasts.
• Fibre: If you use brown rice instead of white rice, the fibre content will be higher, providing a more filling and nutritious meal.
• Sodium: To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust the salt to taste.

This casserole is a balanced, relatively low-fat meal with a good mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. It can be made even healthier by adjusting the ingredients or portion sizes to fit specific dietary needs.

Here are some related recipe names for the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

1. Healthy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Veggies
2. Simple Chicken and Brown Rice Casserole
3. One-Pot Chicken and Rice Bake
4. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli (No Cheese)
5. Easy Baked Chicken and Rice with Vegetables
6. Light Chicken and Rice Casserole (No Cream or Cheese)
7. Chicken and Rice Casserole with Herbs and Garlic
8. Simple Chicken Rice Casserole with Broccoli
9. Low-sodium chicken and Rice Casserole
10. Baked Chicken, Rice, and Veggie Casserole

These recipes, like the Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese, are all variations of a basic chicken and rice casserole made without cream or cheese. With the Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese recipe, you can adjust ingredients like vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste or dietary needs.

FAQs for Easy Chicken And Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese

Conclusion

Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole No Soup No Cheese is a simple, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy nights or meal prep. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, this casserole is full of nutrients and flavour without relying on canned soup or cheese. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal without unnecessary additives. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing lunch for the week, this casserole will quickly become a favourite!