This heart healthy chicken and brown rice casserole is a comforting, gluten free dish perfect for a heart healthy diet. Made with lean chicken, whole-grain brown rice, and a creamy low sodium sauce, it’s a wholesome meal packed with fiber and nutrients. At just 2g of saturated fat per serving, it’s a delicious and nutritious healthy chicken dinner idea.
Discover more satisfying casseroles in our heart healthy chicken recipes List!
This casserole is designed to be a balanced and nourishing meal. It combines lean protein from skinless chicken breast with the benefits of whole-grain brown rice, which provides sustained energy and dietary fiber. By using a reduced-fat, low-sodium soup and minimal cheese, it delivers creamy, comforting flavor without the high saturated fat and sodium common in traditional casseroles.
Absolutely. By using lean protein like skinless chicken, whole grains like brown rice, plenty of vegetables, and low-sodium, low-fat sauces, you can create a delicious casserole that is both nutritious and comforting.
A dish of chicken and rice can be a great option for weight loss when prepared correctly. It provides a healthy balance of lean protein and complex carbohydrates for energy. Portion control and using healthy cooking methods are key to ensuring it fits within your calorie goals.
Brown rice is an excellent choice for a healthy casserole because it's a whole grain. Compared to white rice, it is higher in fiber, magnesium, and other important nutrients, which contributes to better digestion and sustained energy release.
While chicken and rice is a healthy combination, a varied diet is essential for getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals. It's perfectly fine to enjoy it regularly, but be sure to include other lean proteins, whole grains, and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables in your overall diet.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Preheat oven to 400°. In a mixing bowl, mix brown rice, puréed peppers, broccoli, red wine and soup. Pour into a 3-quart shallow baking dish. Season chicken with pepper and press into mixture. Sprinkle with cheeses. Bake for 45 minutes, or until done.
To make this in a slow cooker, combine all ingredients except the cheeses in the slow cooker basin. Lay the chicken breasts on top and press them into the mixture. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Sprinkle the cheeses on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
If you have leftover chicken and are looking for other healthy casseroles recipes that make a delightful dinner in under an hour, try Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Healthy Chicken Casserole or Chicken and Biscuits. They’re easy to make and are sure to be family favorites!