Rice And Chicken Almondine
Rice And Chicken Almondine is a comforting casserole dish featuring tender diced chicken and fluffy rice topped with toasted slivered almonds. Rich and creamy, it combines savory flavors with a crunchy garnish, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who appreciate hearty, flavorful comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute almonds and minced onion in butter for 10 minutes.
- Stir in flour until well combined.
- Add chicken bouillon and heavy cream, stirring until the mixture thickens.
- Add cooked diced chicken and cooked rice, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nut-free version, you can omit the slivered almonds or substitute sunflower seeds for added crunch. Consider adding vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, it works great in this dish and saves time. To enhance flavor, try adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the cream mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice And Chicken Almondine with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Cabbage Casserole for a comforting dinner. For added flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving, and consider a light white wine to complement the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice And Chicken Almondine contains roughly 1022 calories, with 27g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 64g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), protein (55% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1610mg per serving (70% 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 more fiber. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the richness of 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).