No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy sauce, all baked together in one dish. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few minutes of hands-on time and a handful of simple ingredients. Your oven does the rest of the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for the whole family. And the best part? No peeking while it bakes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply combine the ingredients in a casserole dish, cover it with foil, and let the oven work its magic. No stirring or fussing required!
• Flavorful and Tender: The combination of chicken, creamy soups, and seasonings creates a delicious and savory sauce that infuses the chicken and rice with incredible flavor. The “no peek” method ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy.
• One-Dish Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one casserole dish, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize the flavors by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs to the casserole dish. You can also use different types of rice or protein.

this Recipe

Ingredients

• Long grain white rice: A classic and versatile rice that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can substitute with long grain brown rice or wild rice for a healthier option, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup: Adds a creamy base and enhances the flavor of the sauce. You can substitute with other “cream of” soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Chicken tenders: Chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly in this recipe. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor.
• Dried oregano: Adds a slightly bitter and earthy flavor.
• Paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
• Dry onion soup mix: Adds a savory and umami flavor to the dish.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Combine Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it in an even layer.

Step 2: Season and Arrange Chicken

Nestle the chicken tenders on top of the soup mixture in the baking dish. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the casserole.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not peek under the foil while the casserole is baking! This will allow the steam to build up and keep the chicken moist and tender.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the casserole from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use different cuts of chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of chicken tenders. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Use a different rice: Long grain brown rice or wild rice can be used instead of white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time.
• Swap the condensed cream of soup: Any “cream of” soup can be used. You can experiment with different flavors, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli.
• Add vegetables: Stir in some chopped broccoli florets or peas for a more complete meal. You can also use a bag of frozen mixed vegetables.
• Don’t peek: Once the foil is on, resist the urge to peek! The steam created during baking is essential for keeping the chicken moist and tender.

How to Serve

This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
• Bread: Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces?
Yes, you can! However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces will take longer to cook.

2. Can I use instant rice instead of long grain rice?
It’s not recommended to use instant rice for this recipe, as it may become mushy during the long cooking time.

3. Can I make this recipe without the cream of soup?
Yes, you can! You can substitute the cream of soup with a simple white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.

This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is a simple, flavorful, and convenient way to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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