Chicken And Rice Almondine
Creamy chicken and rice dish with toasted almonds, fragrant herbs, and a rich sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion in butter until golden.
- Add flour and blend well.
- Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add heavy cream and heat without boiling.
- Stir in cooked chicken, rice, toasted almonds, parsley, nutmeg, thyme, marjoram, and salt; mix well.
- Pour mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken can be used in place of cooked chicken. To enhance the flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or garlic. This dish can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. For a touch of freshness, add lemon zest before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken And Rice Almondine with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Almond And Mushroom Rice for added texture and flavor. For a complete dinner, consider offering crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered baking dish and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions until hot, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Rice Almondine contains roughly 776 calories, with 46g protein, 145g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (318% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (184% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1204mg per serving (52% 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 use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber. Just be aware that brown rice may require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to ensure it's fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Chicken And Rice Almondine gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Ensure that your chicken stock and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze Chicken And Rice Almondine before baking. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed until heated through.
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).