Short Description
No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a comforting, one-pan meal that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavors. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and flavorful rice, all baked to perfection without the need to lift the lid until it’s done. It’s the ultimate dump-and-bake meal for busy nights.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation:ย Simply mix, cover, and bakeโno stirring required.
- One-dish meal:ย Less cleanup and fewer dishes to wash.
- Flavorful and creamy:ย The combination of soups and seasonings creates a deliciously rich taste.
- Perfect for busy nights:ย A hands-off recipe ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family-friendly:ย Even picky eaters will love the comforting flavors.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Chicken broth
- Onion soup mix
- Butter (optional, for extra richness)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Do not peek while baking!
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 4-6
- Prep time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook time:ย 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total time:ย 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Version:ย Add shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Vegetable Addition:ย Stir in mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Twist:ย Add a dash of paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
- Different Soups:ย Swap out cream of mushroom for cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup.
- Brown Rice Option:ย Use brown rice instead, but increase the baking time by 20-30 minutes and add extra broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating:ย Warm in the oven at 350ยฐF for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
FAQs
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The rice should be tender, and the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF.
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
No, instant rice cooks too quickly and may turn mushy in this recipe.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
Try a blend of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, beef bouillon granules, and a touch of salt.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken and rice are fully cooked.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but you may need to increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-sodium soups and broth, and opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
Do I have to use both soups?
No, you can use just one type of soup, but the combination adds extra flavor and creaminess.
Why is my rice still crunchy?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered with foil, and check that you used enough liquid.
Can I add cheese on top?
Yes, add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
A side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread pair well with this dish.
Conclusion
No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a stress-free, comforting meal thatโs perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it with different variations to suit your taste, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort!
PrintNo-Peek Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Thisย No-Peek Chicken Casseroleย is a simple and delicious one-pan meal! Made with tender chicken, rice, creamy soups, and seasonings, this dish requires minimal effortโjust mix, cover, and bake. The best part? No peeking while it cooks! Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheatย your oven toย 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the rice base:ย In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, both soups, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Assemble the casserole:ย Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the chicken:ย Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Top it off:ย Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and bake:ย Cover the dishย tightlyย with aluminum foil (this is importantโno peeking!). Bake forย 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Check & serve:ย After the cooking time is up, remove the foil and check that the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp ofย 165ยฐF/75ยฐC). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- No peeking!ย Keeping the foil on ensures the steam stays inside, allowing the rice to cook properly.
- Rice substitutions:ย Long-grain white rice works best. Avoid instant or brown rice, as they require different cook times.
- Add veggies:ย Mix in frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make it cheesy:ย Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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