This No Peek Chicken Casserole is super easy and comforting! With tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice, it’s a one-pan meal that makes dinner a breeze.
I love how you can just toss everything in, pop it in the oven, and forget about it while it cooks. It’s like magic, except with food! 🍽️
This casserole is perfect for busy nights when you want something warm and filling. Plus, it’s a hit with the family—who doesn’t love that? Just serve up and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they stay tender and juicy. If you prefer, you can use thighs for extra flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is the perfect base. If you need a substitute, try using brown rice, but remember it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time. Quinoa is another option that adds a nutty flavor and more protein.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. If you want a healthier option, you can use low-fat or homemade cream of chicken soup. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk or a creamy vegetable soup could work well.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth enhances the dish’s flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a lighter taste, and if you’re low on broth, water with seasoning can suffice.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder help give a nice depth of flavor. You can also use fresh garlic and onion if you prefer. If you love heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper or even some taco seasoning can spice things up!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender in the Casserole?
The key to keeping the chicken tender is to bake it covered. This traps moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out. Follow these steps to keep your casserole consistent:
- Preheat your oven and prepare all ingredients beforehand.
- Mix the broth and soup well with the rice and seasonings to create a moist base.
- Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to hold in steam during baking.
- Avoid opening the oven door while it bakes to keep the heat and moisture intact.
Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s safe to eat. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Easy No Peek Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This No Peek Chicken Casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then 1 hour to bake. It’s a simple, hearty dish where you just mix it all up and let the oven do the work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to cook your casserole evenly.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the long-grain white rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika if you’re using it. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined—this will be the base of your casserole.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom. Then, take the chicken breasts and place them on top of the rice mixture. If you like, sprinkle a little extra salt and pepper on the chicken for added flavor.
4. Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in while it bakes. This is important so your chicken remains juicy, and the rice cooks perfectly. Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Remember, don’t peek! It’s crucial to keep it covered during this time.
5. Final Touches:
After an hour, carefully remove the foil and check that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you want a nice golden brown on top, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes. Just keep an eye on it!
6. Serve It Up:
Once done, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps to settle everything. Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor!
Enjoy your delicious No Peek Chicken Casserole!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
While it’s possible to use brown rice, you’ll need to make adjustments to the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice usually requires more water and takes longer to cook, so consider pre-cooking it or increasing the baking time by about 30-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the moisture level to avoid drying out the casserole.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use a homemade version by combining 1 cup of chicken broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a splash of cream or milk. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup you prefer!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure to reheat thoroughly when serving!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture before baking. Just chop them finely to ensure they cook properly within the casserole. Adjust the seasoning slightly as needed to accommodate the extra ingredients.
