No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting meal that delivers juicy chicken and perfectly tender rice all in one incredible dish, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s the ultimate hands-off casserole where flavor builds quietly beneath a foil cover, rewarding you with tender chicken infused with fragrant herbs and creamy rice that tastes like it’s simmered in magic. The best part is you can prepare everything in one dish with simple pantry staples, then let the oven work its magic – no stirring, no fuss, just pure dinner delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beautiful thing about this No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in layering flavor and texture. From the creamy soups that add richness to the rice that soaks up every bit of those savory juices, these essentials come together for a comfort food masterpiece.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice: This forms the fluffy, tender base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy, savory depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of celery soup: Brings a subtle earthiness and moisture crucial for tender rice.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Works as the cooking liquid that flavors and softens both rice and chicken.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): These cook up juicy and tender while layering on protein.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic kick to the seasoning mix.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses just the right savory note without any bits.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal undertone that brightens the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Provides gentle color and a smoky hint that’s not overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: A little heat to balance the creaminess beautifully.
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix: The secret ingredient that takes flavor to the next level with savory onion and seasoning blend.
How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Combine
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish – this ensures your casserole won’t stick and will brown nicely. In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice with both cans of cream soup and the chicken broth. This mixture creates a rich, creamy base that the rice slowly soaks up as it bakes, making every bite luscious.
Step 2: Top with Chicken and Season
Next, arrange your chicken tenders in a single layer gently over the rice-soup mixture. This positioning allows even cooking and flavor absorption. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the chicken. Then finish off by sprinkling the dry onion soup mix on top. This mix works wonders by adding a deeply savory, slightly sweet onion flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Bake Covered and Don’t Peek
Cover the entire dish tightly with foil – this traps moisture and helps steam the rice and chicken perfectly. Pop it into the oven and bake for a full hour. The tricky part? Resist the urge to lift the foil! This step is what earns it the name No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe – keeping the heat and steam contained ensures everything cooks evenly and the rice doesn’t dry out.
Step 4: Serve Up Comfort
After baking, remove the foil and you’ll find a bubbling, aromatic casserole ready to enjoy. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently so it’s light and airy. The chicken should be perfectly tender, bursting with the combined flavors from the seasoning and broth. Scoop generous servings onto your plate, and prepare for a comforting meal that feels like a hug from the inside.
How to Serve No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. If you like a bit of zing, a dollop of sour cream or a dash of hot sauce complements the creamy texture wonderfully without overwhelming the dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty all on its own, but pairing it with crisp steamed green beans, a light garden salad, or roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal. The freshness of the sides contrasts beautifully with the creamy, savory casserole, making your dinner complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes for guests. Adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top just before removing the foil in the final five minutes of baking creates a golden, bubbly crust. Alternatively, use colorful vegetables around the edges to brighten the presentation and add some visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The casserole will keep well for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or easy lunches.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers, ideally before baking if you want a truly quick prep later. Properly sealed, it will maintain great flavor and texture for up to three months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole or portion with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-30 minutes depending on size. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings covered to keep moisture locked in, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquids differently, so this recipe would need adjustment in cooking time and liquid amounts. For best results, stick with long-grain white rice to achieve that tender, fluffy texture.
What can I substitute for chicken tenders?
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but be sure to adjust the thickness so everything cooks evenly in the hour. Thinner pieces work best to avoid drying out.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Because cream of chicken and celery soups typically contain dairy, try swapping them with dairy-free cream soup alternatives or make homemade versions using non-dairy milk and broth. The flavor will differ slightly, but the technique remains the same.
Why is it important not to peek while baking?
Peeking releases steam and heat that’s crucial for cooking the rice and chicken through evenly. Keeping the foil tightly sealed allows the casserole to steam gently, which results in tender rice and juicy chicken.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Diced carrots, peas, or green beans fold in nicely for added nutrition and texture. Just make sure to chop them small and distribute evenly so they cook through in the same hour-long bake.
Final Thoughts
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dinners for its ease, flavor, and comforting goodness. It’s like a warm invitation to slow down and savor something simple yet soul-satisfying. I really encourage you to give it a try – once you experience how the flavors meld together under that foil, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
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No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal combining tender chicken tenders baked over flavorful rice infused with cream of chicken and celery soups. It requires minimal prep, is baked in one pan, and results in juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice with savory seasonings. This casserole is ideal for a hassle-free family dinner, offering hearty and satisfying flavors with little hands-on cooking time.
Ingredients
Rice Mixture
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat and Combine: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of uncooked long-grain white rice, one can each of low-sodium cream of chicken soup and cream of celery soup, and 1 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are blended well.
- Top with Chicken: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Arrange 2 pounds of chicken tenders over the rice mixture in a single layer. Then, evenly season the chicken with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, sprinkle the 1 oz packet of dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice mixture.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 hour without opening the foil to ensure the rice absorbs the liquid and the chicken cooks thoroughly. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Once done, carefully remove the foil and use a fork to fluff the rice beneath the chicken. Serve the casserole hot, allowing the tender chicken and flavorful rice mixture to be enjoyed together as a complete and cozy meal.
Notes
- Do not lift the foil while baking to ensure rice cooks evenly and chicken remains moist.
- Use low-sodium broth and soups to control salt levels in the dish.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in frozen peas or diced carrots before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
