Golden Rice Casserole
A creamy, comforting casserole that blends tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and crisp green pepper with golden rice, finished with toasted almonds and fresh parsley for a bright finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 350°F oven.
- 1. Melt 1 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over low heat; whisk in 1/3 cup flour, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper until smooth and bubbly. 2. Stir in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk; bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. 3. Pour the sauce over 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 (3 oz.) can sliced mushrooms (drained), and 1/3 cup chopped green pepper that have been placed into an ungreased 1 1/2‑quart casserole dish. 4. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. 5. Sprinkle 1/4 cup slivered almonds and snipped parsley over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce. If you don't have slivered almonds, you can use chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the dish’s flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Golden Rice Casserole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Livers And Vegetables for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider offering crusty bread or a light soup as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for quick meals, but the oven will keep the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Rice Casserole contains roughly 587 calories, with 23g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (163% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and potassium (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 856mg per serving (37% 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 freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F 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).