Description
Creamy Chicken and Rice is a warm and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese blended with perfectly cooked long-grain rice. Enhanced with fragrant onions, garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, this rich and velvety recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy meals any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into strips
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Aromatics and Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent, dissolved in warm water
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions and garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked turkey bacon into strips. Rinse the long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffy texture when cooked.
- Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove it from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan to add flavor to the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Using the same skillet with turkey bacon fat, sauté the onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden on all sides, sealing in the juices.
- Combine Rice and Broth: Add the rinsed rice to the skillet and stir to coat it with the flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth, then add a splash of apple cider vinegar and the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to enrich the umami flavor.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth. Stir occasionally and monitor to prevent burning.
- Add Creaminess: Once the rice is tender, stir in the plant-based cheese and the dissolved natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce. Mix in the crispy turkey bacon and chopped fresh herbs for brightness and flavor.
- Final Touches: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference. Let the dish rest with the lid on for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Rinse rice before cooking to prevent stickiness and ensure perfect texture.
- Simmer on low heat to let the rice absorb flavors without drying out.
- Optionally, toast the rice before adding broth for a subtle nutty undertone.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to retain their vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, comfort food, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon, gluten free, easy dinner, cozy meal