Chicken Almond Rice
A hearty chicken almond rice casserole combining tender chicken, crunchy almonds, vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for feeding a crowd or family dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. lean ground pork ⓘ
- 2 finely chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 bunch chopped celery ⓘ
- 2 cans water chestnuts (whole), quartered
- 1 green pepper, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 cup almonds, quartered ⓘ
- 3 packages Lipton chicken noodle soup ⓘ
- 1 cup mushrooms (optional) ⓘ
- 2 cups raw rice (not quick) ⓘ
- 9 cups water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 package Lipton Onion soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute ground pork, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery for 10 minutes.
- Add water chestnuts, almonds, mushrooms (if using), Lipton chicken noodle soup, Lipton onion soup, and raw rice to the mixture.
- Cook on top of the stove for 5 minutes in a large pan.
- Pour the mixture into two casseroles.
- Bake at 350°F for one hour or until rice is soft and all liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting ground turkey for the pork for a leaner option. If you prefer a different nut, cashews or walnuts can be good alternatives to almonds. To enhance flavor, add some garlic or ginger to the sautéed vegetables. Ensure to use long-grain rice for the best texture. If using quick-cooking rice, adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Almond Rice dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. For a heartier dinner, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or a light soup. It complements other chicken recipes very well, enhancing your dinner options.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out, and microwave on medium heat until warmed through. For a crispy topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Almond Rice contains roughly 844 calories, with 38g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (77% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 761mg per serving (33% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious. Be sure to increase the baking time slightly if starting from cold.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Just ensure it's well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for Lipton soup mixes?
If you prefer to avoid packaged mixes, you can create a homemade version using chicken broth, dried herbs like thyme and parsley, and a bit of onion powder. This allows you to control the sodium content and tailor the flavors to your liking, providing a more personalized touch to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).