This dairy free chicken rice casserole recipe is especially easy to make, as it requires only minimal ingredients and can be prepared in under 30 minutes. This dairy free chicken rice casserole is made with rice, chicken sausage, spinach, sauce and veggies. It is a gluten free, dairy free and nut free recipe. It is a low fat recipe and can easily be made a low carb recipe.
Casseroles are a classic comfort food that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. They are easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients. Plus there is always plenty of eftovers for the next day. This dairy free chicken rice casserole is packed with nutritious vegetables, such as spinach and zucchini. You can use any kind of rice you like, such as brown rice, cauliflower rice, or white rice.
why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy to make: This dairy free chicken rice casserole recipe is so easy to follow, even a beginner cook can make it.
- Minimal ingredients: This recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand.
- Packed with veggies: This dairy free chicken rice casserole casserole is packed with nutritious vegetables, such as spinach and zucchini. These vegetables add flavor, texture, and nutrients to the dish.
- Easy to meal prep: This casserole is easy to prep ahead of time.
- Quick weeknight dinner: This dairy free chicken rice casserole casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner option. This meal takes until 30 mintues to make. It is the perfect meal for busy weeknights.
- Packed with lean protein: The chicken sausage in this recipe adds a good source of lean protein to the dish.
- Versatile: This recipe is very versatile. You can use any kind of rice you like, such as brown rice, cauliflower rice, or white rice.
- You can also substitute different vegetables for the spinach and zucchini, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or onions.
- To make vegetarian, just omit the chicken sausage and add an extra bag of spinach.
- If you don’t have roasted red pepper sauce, you can substitute 2 cups of marinara sauce.
- You can meal prep: To make this casserole ahead of time, assemble it as directed and then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
ingredients & substitutions
Brown rice
Brown rice has a nutty, earthy flavor and a chewy texture. It is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help you feel full and satisfied after eating.
You can substitute any kind of rice you like for the brown rice in this recipe, such as white rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for this dairy free chicken rice casserole. For low carb use brown rice or cauliflower rice. For a fluffier texture use white rice. Here is the brown rice I like to use.
Chicken sausage
Chicken sausage has a savory, slightly smoky and garlic flavor. It is a good source of protein and iron.
If you are vegetarian you can use vegan sausage or omit the chicken sausage all together.
Spinach
Spinach has a mild, slightly earthy flavor. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and calcium.
You can substitute any other leafy green vegetable for the spinach in this recipe, such as kale for this dairy free chicken rice casserole.
Zucchini
Zucchini has a mild, cucumber-like flavor and a slightly crunchy texture. It is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber.
You can substitute any other summer squash for the zucchini in this recipe, such as yellow squash.
Roasted red pepper sauce
Roasted red pepper sauce has a sweet, smoky flavor. It is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.
If you do not have roasted red pepper sauce on hand, you can substitute another type of tomato sauce or marinara sauce. Here is a recipe for a roasted red pepper sauce you can make at home.
taste & texture
This dairy free chicken rice casserole has a hearty and flavorful taste, with a slightly sweet and smoky flavor from the roasted red pepper sauce. The chicken sausage adds a bit of spice, and the spinach and zucchini add a fresh, earthy flavor. The brown rice gives the dairy free chicken rice casserole a slightly chewy texture, and the cheese topping adds a crispy and gooey element.
Check out some more of my easy, gluten free recipes here!
directions
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine the frozen brown rice, chicken sausage, spinach, zucchini, and roasted red pepper sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can mix it right in the casserole dish if you want!
Step 3
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with tin foil.
Step 4
Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the dairy free chicken rice casserole is bubbly and the rice is soft.
expert tips & tricks
- If you are meal prepping the dairy free chicken rice casserole, you can assemble it in individual ramekins or baking dishes. Then, simply cover them tightly and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to reheat them, bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
- When reheating the casserole in the microwave, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave it on high for 2-3 minutes, until it is heated through.
Shop the dishes (and eve some of the ingredients) here!
how to make this lower carb
To make this dairy free chicken rice casserole lower in carbs, simply substitute half of the brown rice with cauliflower rice. Cauliflower rice is a low-carb alternative to rice that is made from grated cauliflower. It is a good source of fiber and vitamins. It has a neutral flavor.
how to make this vegan
To make this dairy free chicken rice casserole vegan, simply omit the chicken sausage and add an extra bag of spinach. You can also substitute another type of plant-based protein, such as tofu, tempeh, or lentils.
how to serve & store
To serve this dairy free chicken rice casserole, simply scoop it out of the baking dish and onto individual plates. You can serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers, or with a salad.
To store the dairy free chicken rice casserole in the fridge, simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. When reheating the casserole, simply place it in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until it is heated through.
To store the dairy free chicken rice casserole in the freezer, simply wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a preheated 350 degree F (175 degrees C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through.
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Dairy Free Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen brown rice
- 4 garlic pre-cooked chicken sausages sliced
- 1 bag of fresh spinach chopped
- 2 zuchinnis sliced into 1″ cubes
- 2 cups roasted red pepper sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the frozen brown rice, chicken sausage, spinach, zucchini, and roasted red pepper sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can even mix it in the casserole dish to save yourself a dish.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with tin foil.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the rice is soft.
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