No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

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Looking for a simple one-pan chicken dinner that practically cooks itself? This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a cozy, comforting meal made with tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, and perfectly cooked rice. True to its name, once it’s in the oven—no peeking! Let the magic happen while you relax.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying

• Effortless Prep: No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed

• One Dish Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor

• Family and Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples for a filling dinner

• Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends

Ingredients Breakdown

• Long Grain White Rice (1 cup): Forms the hearty, fluffy base of the casserole.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Adds a rich, earthy flavor and creamy texture.

• Cream of Celery Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Brings a subtle, savory note and extra creaminess.

• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Deepens the chicken flavor throughout the dish.

• Water (1 1/2 cups): Helps cook the rice and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces): The main protein, staying juicy and tender thanks to the slow bake.

• Onion Soup Mix (1 envelope): Adds bold, savory seasoning to the top layer for extra flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Used to lightly season the chicken before baking, enhancing overall taste.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Seal It Tight: Ensure the foil is sealed very well to trap the steam needed to cook the rice perfectly.

• Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.

• Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or paprika before baking for extra depth of flavor.

• Creamier Option: Swap ½ cup of the water for extra cream of chicken soup if you prefer a richer casserole.

Variations and Customizations

• Add Veggies: Mix in frozen peas, diced carrots, or broccoli before baking.

• Switch Proteins: Substitute boneless chicken thighs for even juicier results.

• Different Rice: Use wild rice or brown rice (adjust water and bake time accordingly).

• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Pairing Suggestions

• Fresh garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette

• Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus

• Soft dinner rolls or garlic bread

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm in the microwave or cover with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use minute rice or instant rice?

No, this recipe is designed for uncooked long grain white rice. Using instant rice will result in mushy or overcooked rice.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No browning is needed! The chicken cooks slowly in the sauce, becoming juicy and tender without any extra steps.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

The ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, creamy rice, and a trio of soups bake into a hearty, flavorful dish. Just mix, bake (no peeking!), and enjoy—easy, cozy, and perfect for busy nights. 😋

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1½ cups water

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 envelope onion soup mix

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

• In the prepared dish, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and water.

• Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

• Nestle the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.

Step 4: Top with Onion Soup Mix

• Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice.

Step 5: Bake (No Peeking!)

• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

• Bake for 1½ hours without removing the foil at any point. (Resist the urge to check!)

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes.

• Fluff the rice gently and serve hot.

Notes

• Avoid lifting the foil while baking; the steam is crucial for perfectly cooked rice and tender chicken.

• If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add an extra ¼ cup of water.

• Double the recipe and use two pans if feeding a crowd—this casserole is a guaranteed hit at potlucks!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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