If you’re craving a comforting, effortless dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those magical dishes where the flavors develop in secret while it bakes, rewarding your patience with tender chicken nestled atop creamy, flavorful rice. The beauty is in its simplicity – just a handful of pantry staples come together to create a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a go-to recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe comes from how simple yet essential each ingredient is. Every component has a job to do—whether it’s adding creaminess, depth, or just the right amount of seasoning to keep your taste buds dancing.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice: This forms the fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness without overpowering the dish.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of celery soup: Brings subtle herbal undertones and balances the creaminess nicely.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and infuses the rice with savory notes.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): Tender, quick-cooking chicken pieces that stay juicy throughout baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, aromatic depth that’s irresistible.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory base with a gentle sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: A hint of herbaceous flavor for complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Provides just the right amount of bite and freshness.
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix: This secret ingredient seals the deal with bold flavor and seasoning.
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 to prevent sticking. In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. This mixture creates a lush, flavorful base where the rice cooks perfectly as the dish bakes.
Step 2: Top with Chicken
Lay the chicken tenders evenly over the rice mixture in the baking dish. Then, season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper. Finish by sprinkling the dry onion soup mix on top, which really elevates the taste with its savory punch.
Step 3: Bake – Don’t Peek!
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, allowing the rice to cook fully and the chicken to become tender and juicy. This is where the name No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe comes in—resisting the urge to peek lets the magic happen undisturbed!
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Once baked, carefully remove the foil and use a fork to fluff the rice, mixing it gently with the rich sauce. Serve the fluffy rice nestled beneath perfectly cooked chicken strips and get ready to savor every comforting bite.
How to Serve No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh, vibrant touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A light drizzle of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and cut through the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The simplicity of these sides lets the casserole shine as the star but still provides a balanced, nutritious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a rustic, charming appeal. You can also offer toppings like shredded cheddar cheese or crispy fried onions on the side for guests to customize their plates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for easy next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to save your No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe for later, simply transfer it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It freezes well for up to 2 months and defrosts in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power, adding a splash of broth if needed to keep the rice moist.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time and a different texture, so it’s best to stick with long-grain white rice for this recipe to ensure it cooks through perfectly alongside the chicken. If you want to try brown rice, pre-cooking it partially before combining is necessary.
What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute cream of celery with another cream soup like cream of mushroom or make a simple homemade white sauce. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Is it possible to make this recipe without canned soups?
Absolutely! For a fresher, homemade option, create a creamy mixture with chicken broth, milk or cream, flour or cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings to replace the canned soups. This also gives you control over sodium and additives.
Can I add vegetables directly to the casserole?
You can! Try adding diced carrots, peas, or chopped bell peppers right into the rice mixture before baking. Just keep in mind this may slightly affect the baking time and moisture level, so adjust accordingly.
Why is it important not to peek during baking?
Resisting the urge to peek helps keep the steam trapped inside the casserole, which is essential for cooking the rice evenly and keeping the chicken moist. Opening the oven lets heat and moisture escape, potentially resulting in uneven cooking or dry chicken.
Final Thoughts
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a gem in any home cook’s repertoire—so easy, so comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together without any fuss, perfect for when you want a heartwarming meal without breaking a sweat. Give it a try soon and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print
No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken tenders with a creamy mixture of soups, chicken broth, and uncooked rice, it bakes all together in one pan, resulting in flavorful, moist chicken atop fluffy rice. With simple seasoning and minimal prep, it’s a satisfying casserole that requires no stirring or peeking during baking.
Ingredients
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
Casserole Base
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat and Combine
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked rice, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-sodium cream of celery soup, and low-sodium chicken broth thoroughly. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. - Top with Chicken
Arrange the chicken tenders evenly over the rice mixture. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper. Then sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the entire dish for added flavor. - Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap in moisture and prevent the chicken and rice from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid peeking to maintain proper cooking temperature and moisture. - Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and carefully fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the chicken and rice casserole hot for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- Do not remove the foil or peek while baking to ensure proper cooking and moistness.
- Using low-sodium soups and broth helps control the salt content, but you can adjust seasoning to taste.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- You can add a side of steamed vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
