Gluten Free Chicken Casseroles (2 Ways!)

why you’ll love this recipe

These Gluten Free Chicken Casseroles are a quick and simple dinner recipe that the whole family will actually like. Basically think of deconstructed stuffed peppers. Always a crowd pleaser! These gluten free chicken casseroles are packed with chicken, peppers, onions, rice and tomatoes, then baked into a cozy casserole and topped with parmesan cheese! This Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole is gluten free, nut free, low fat with a dairy free option.

If you love casseroles you’ll also love this healthy chicken potato casserole, this low carb mexican casserole, Gluten Free Taco Casserole or this Chicken Casserole without soup!

In just 10 minutes you can prepare these gluten free chicken casseroles with either breaded chicken cutlets, or ground chicken! Then, it fills the house with the smell of stuffed peppers while it bakes and is on the table in an hour. These gluten free chicken casseroles quickly became a favorite in our house! No joke, one time we made it twice in a week. Thats how good it is.

This is a quick recipe that can be served anytime of the year but we especially love to make casseroles once the weather is cold and we want to enjoy a cozy warm meal.

ingredients & substitutions

• frozen brown rice – The rice here must be frozen, it will thaw and then fully bake while the casserole is in the oven. If you use raw, uncooked rice it will need more liquid. You can use frozen white rice as well or a mixture of frozen rice and frozen cauliflower rice. See below for low carb options.
• chicken – Is is where the “2-ways” come in!
  • You can either make this recipe with chicken breasts. You can bread and air fried the chicken for 10 minutes or even just buy pre-made gluten free chicken tenders from your grocery store.
  • OR you can use ground chicken. In this version you will brown the ground chicken in a frying pan for 5 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
• peppers, diced into 1/2” pieces
• white onion, diced into 1/2” pieces
• crushed tomatoes (with liquid)
• tomato sauce or vegan vodka sauce

taste & texture

These Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles are made with white or brown rice and chicken. It is mixed with peppers and onions and tomatoes, topped with tomato sauce, and then topped with parmesan cheese. This Gluten-Free Chicken Casserole is a healthier version of the stuffed pepper comfort food that’s full of healthy vegetables and cozy flavor!

This gluten-free chicken and rice recipe really is one of my ultimate go-to family-friendly dinners. It’s creamy and cheesy, filled with tender chunks of chicken, juicy mushrooms, veggies, and hearty rice. Casseroles are so easy to throw together and consistently tastes amazing!

directions

1. Make the chicken
   • OPTION 1: Make the chicken tenders first. Dip chicken in egg, then gluten free breadcrumbs. Air fry on 390 for 10 minutes. It’s ok if it’s not fully cooked, it will cook the rest of the way in the oven.
   • OPTION 2: Use ground chicken. In this version you will brown the ground chicken in a frying pan for 5 minutes before adding it to the casserole.
2. Add all ingredients to casserole dish, including the chicken. Mix.
3. Bake covered, on 375 for 60 minutes.
4. Then uncover and bake for another 10-20 minutes.
5. All liquid should be absorbed and edges should be crispy.
6. Add 3-4 tbsp vegan/dairy free parmesan cheese on top before serving.

expert tips & tricks

how to make this lower carb

These Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles call for 2 cups of frozen rice. You can choose to use white rice or even brown rice. To make these Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles lower carb, you can use a combination of brown rice and cauliflower rice.

To make this a super low carb casserole you can use all cauliflower rice, no brown rice. Its as low carb as you choose to make it!

how to make this healthier

These Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles call for 1 cup of sauce and you can choose from tomato or vodka sauce based on the flavor profile you want or based on what you have on hand at home. To make this casserole a bit healthier, use tomato sauce instead of vodka sauce. This helps to cut back on the amount of fat or saturdated fat in this casserole recipe!

how to make this vegan

This recipe is easy to make these Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles vegan sub unseasoned shredded jack fruit in the place of the chicken. Its a 1:1 sub which means you can use the same amount of jackfruit for the chicken.

If you dont like jackfruit or dont want a shredded substitute you can double the amount of vegetables and leave out the chicken for a full vegan casserole. Make sure to use tomato sauce or vegan vodka sauce and vegan parmesan cheese!

how to serve & store

Serve these Gluten-Free Chicken Casseroles directly out of the oven. Its best served warm.

Fridge: Leftovers for this Chicken Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Leftovers for this recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat: Reheat in a pan, covered until casserole is warm and soft.

To microwave: Reheat in the microwave, covered until casserole is warm and soft. I like to add a wet paper towel on top while microwaving so the casserole doesn’t dry out.