Creamy Chicken and Rice: A Comfort Food Makeover

This week I decided to try to lighten up a good Southern Chicken Casserole. Don't run away yet, it is still really satisfying I promise. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it's also loaded with veggies that bring a whole host of healthy benefits to the table. And for the first time on this blog, my pressure cooker gets a starring role, helping to make  this meal both quick and easy.

Why You Will Love This Dish:

The Possibility of Leftover Magic: That smoked chicken from last week's dinner? It's getting a tasty makeover in this dish.

Veggie Power: This recipe isn't just about the chicken and rice; it's packed with carrots, peas, and fresh spinach, each adding their own nutritional boost.

Pressure Cooker Perfection: My pressure cooker makes it's debut in this week's blog post. It is a game-changer for busy nights!

The Health Benefits of Veggies:

Carrots: These vibrant orange beauties are rich in beta-carotene, which your body turns into vitamin A- a nutrient essential for good vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. Plus, they add a natural sweetness to the dish.

Peas: Tiny but mighty, peas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied. They're also packed with vitamins C and K. Plus, it brings a fresh, earthly flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the dish.

Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is a nutrient powerhouse. It's loaded with iron, which is vital for energy production, as well as vitamins A, C, and K. Plus it brings a fresh, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the dish.

So Here Is What I Did:

I started by sauteing diced carrots and onions in 2 Tablespoons of olive oil, on saute mode on normal, until the carrots were soft and the onions turned translucent. Halfway through this process I tossed in a couple tablespoons of chopped garlic. Here the original recipe called for mushrooms to be added, I can't have them, but if your family likes them, go for it. They would be a very traditional addition.

Veggies and garlic in the pot                                                They should look like this when done

Once the veggies were done, I added 3 cups of organic, low-sodium chicken stock, then 2 cups of rinsed and drained brown rice, that is rich in fiber and adds a nice texture to the finished recipe. I also added that delicious smoked chicken here. 

*NOTE: You could use any rice that you have on hand here, you just may need to adjust the stock and cook time. Also, you could add raw chopped chicken breast tenders, or turkey instead of precooked chicken, even a rotisserie chicken would work on a super busy night.

After the rice and chicken went in, I layered the other veggies on top. I sprinkled a cup of frozen peas, straight from the freezer on top of the chicken, then about 4 cups of fresh baby spinach on the very top. 

DON'T Stir after you add the spinach, just let it sit on top and wilt perfectly so that it retains all of those healthy nutrients.

Then I just put the lid on, set it on Pressure Cook (Depending on your brand it could say Manual or just Cook) for 7 minutes at high pressure and let the pot do all the work.

After the 7 minute cook time, let it set for 10 minutes undisturbed. While it sat, I shredded 8 oz of Monterey Jack cheese to add that much needed creaminess. The starchy rice does a lot of the work but it really needs the cheese. And because we sauteed in olive oil instead of butter, it is still a little healthier. You can use any cheese you like here, I went with Monterey Jack because it was white and has a great melting point.

After the 10 minute rest, I let the rest of the pressure out, gave everything a good stir, checked the seasoning, and then stirred in a cup of shredded cheese. Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and you are all set to serve!

After the lid comes off                                                       After stirring and checking the seasoning

This Creamy Chicken and Rice is the perfect blend of comfort and health. It's hearty, satisfying, and a great way to make the most of those leftovers. Plus, with all those veggies,  it's a dish you can feel good about serving to your family. A really great take on a traditional Southern Casserole.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it goes.