No Peek Chicken Casserole Recipe
No Peek Chicken Casserole is a simple and flavorful one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, comforting meal without a lot of effort. The name comes from the fact that you bake it covered and resist the urge to “peek” while it cooks, letting all the flavors meld together perfectly.
Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup water (or milk for extra creaminess)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional, depending on the sodium in your soups and broth)
Optional ingredients for extra flavor:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the casserole from becoming overly sticky.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Mix the Base
- Combine the liquids: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water (or milk). Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the soup mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Enhance with extras: If you’re adding vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots, mix them into the rice and soup base now.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the base: Pour the rice and soup mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top of the casserole. This step adds a savory, slightly tangy kick to the dish.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
- Cover tightly: Cover the dish with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to trap the steam. This step is crucial for properly cooking the rice and keeping the chicken moist.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not peek! Keeping the foil on ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)
- Uncover for a crispy top: If you like a golden, crispy finish, uncover the casserole during the last 10–15 minutes of baking. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired and let it melt and brown slightly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the casserole: Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish: For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use long-grain rice: Avoid instant or parboiled rice, as they cook differently and may not absorb the liquid properly.
- Choose the right chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts provide a leaner option.
- Seal tightly: Ensuring a tight seal with foil is crucial for cooking the rice thoroughly. Double-wrap if necessary to prevent steam from escaping.
- Customize with vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the mix. Just ensure they’re cut into small, even pieces to cook at the same rate as the rice.
Optional Variations
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the soup mixture for a little heat.
- Herb-infused: Stir fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the rice for an earthy flavor.
- Cheesy delight: Mix ½ cup of shredded cheese into the rice before baking for an extra creamy texture.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cream soups and check the ingredients of your onion soup mix to ensure it’s gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.
No Peek Chicken Casserole Recipe
No Peek Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy rice, tender chicken, and bold flavors from the onion soup mix make it a satisfying, one-dish meal that you’ll turn to time and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this easy, delicious recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- For the casserole:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium
- 1 cup water or milk for extra creaminess
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix about 1 oz
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt optional, depending on the sodium in your soups and broth
- Optional ingredients for extra flavor:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup frozen peas or green beans
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, preventing the casserole from becoming overly sticky.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. This step infuses the chicken with flavor right from the start.
- Step 2: Mix the Base
- Combine the liquids: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water (or milk). Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the rice: Stir the rinsed rice into the soup mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Enhance with extras: If you're adding vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or carrots, mix them into the rice and soup base now.
- Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the base: Pour the rice and soup mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the chicken: Nestle the chicken breasts into the rice mixture, making sure they are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Sprinkle the seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top of the casserole. This step adds a savory, slightly tangy kick to the dish.
- Step 4: Cover and Bake
- Cover tightly: Cover the dish with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to trap the steam. This step is crucial for properly cooking the rice and keeping the chicken moist.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not peek! Keeping the foil on ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
- Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)
- Uncover for a crispy top: If you like a golden, crispy finish, uncover the casserole during the last 10–15 minutes of baking. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top if desired and let it melt and brown slightly.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest the casserole: Let the dish sit for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish: For a pop of freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley or fresh thyme over the top before serving.
Why You’ll Love No Peek Chicken Casserole
- Effortless preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together quickly.
- Family-friendly: The creamy, savory flavors appeal to all ages.
- Customizable: Add veggies, cheese, or spices to make it your own.
- Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
No Peek Chicken Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy rice, tender chicken, and bold flavors from the onion soup mix make it a satisfying, one-dish meal that you’ll turn to time and again. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this easy, delicious recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!