If you’ve ever wished for a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s effortlessly delicious and requires minimal hands-on time, the No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is here to become your new weeknight hero. This casserole blends tender chicken and creamy rice in a perfectly seasoned, cozy bake that holds a little secret: you don’t open the foil until the timer dings. The result? Moist chicken, fluffy rice, and a flavorful harmony that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a vital role in layering flavor, texture, and richness. Together, they create a casserole that is creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced without any fuss.
- 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice: The base that soaks up all the delicious flavors and becomes tender and fluffy.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and depth to the casserole.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of celery soup: Introduces a subtle vegetal note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses savory undertones throughout the dish.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): Tender and quick-cooking pieces that stay juicy and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings out a warm, aromatic boost that enhances the overall profile.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of herbaceous earthiness.
- ¼ teaspoon paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Provides just the right amount of spice and complexity.
- 1 (1 oz) packet dry onion soup mix: A secret seasoning boost that pulls all the elements together effortlessly.
How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. In a bowl, mix together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. This creamy blend is what will cook the rice perfectly while infusing it with savory flavor from start to finish. Pour this mixture evenly into the greased dish as the foundation of your casserole.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings
Next, neatly arrange the chicken tenders on top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry about browning them beforehand—the slow bake will lock in moisture and tenderness. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the chicken. Finally, dust the whole top with the dry onion soup mix, which is the secret ingredient that adds a burst of flavor and a slight savory kick.
Step 3: The No Peek Magic
Cover the dish tightly with foil to seal in all the steam and cook the chicken and rice evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 1 hour without lifting the foil. This part is crucial—the whole magic of the No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is about letting the flavors meld and the rice cook undisturbed so everything turns out perfectly moist and tender.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
Carefully remove the foil once the hour is up. Using a fork, fluff the rice gently to separate the grains and mix any juices that have collected from the chicken. Then scoop out generous portions of the creamy rice alongside each tender chicken piece. Your cozy, winning meal is now ready to enjoy.
How to Serve No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your casserole presentation and taste, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of refreshing green and mild onion flavor. A light dusting of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese can add a luscious, melty finish. For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish wonderfully without overpowering the savory base.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans to balance the creamy richness with crunch and vibrancy. A crisp garden salad dressed with a vinaigrette brings a refreshing contrast. You can also serve warm crusty bread alongside, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole in rustic individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a cozy, inviting look that’s great for family dinners or guests. For a festive touch, garnish with edible flowers or arrange colorful roasted veggies around the edges on the platter. You could also top the casserole with crispy fried onions just before serving to add a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe, let any leftovers cool to room temperature. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors marry even more after sitting overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming in the oven or microwave to retain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway, to avoid drying out the rice and chicken. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating can help restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but since brown rice takes longer to cook, you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts. It’s best to parboil the brown rice a bit beforehand or bake covered for closer to 1 ¼ hours to ensure the rice is tender.
What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
You can substitute with an equal amount of cream of mushroom soup or make a simple homemade white sauce infused with celery seed or finely diced celery to replicate the flavor and creaminess.
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Definitely. Chicken tenders cook quickly and evenly, which is why they’re preferred here. If using breasts or thighs, opt for cut pieces and watch for doneness—sometimes a longer bake is necessary. Using thighs will add juiciness and extra flavor.
Why is it important not to peek while baking?
Opening the foil lets steam escape, which can dry out the chicken and prevent the rice from cooking properly. The “no peek” method traps moisture, resulting in tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice that absorbs all the seasoning and broth.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine all ingredients into your slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked and rice is tender. However, cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker model, so check periodically.
Final Thoughts
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like an effortless embrace after a busy day. It requires minimal prep, few ingredients, and the magic of a no-peek bake to deliver maximum comfort and flavor. Give it a try the next time you want a homemade meal that brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied appetites.
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: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy one-dish meal, combining tender chicken tenders baked over a creamy mixture of rice, soups, and chicken broth. Seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want a delicious, hearty meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
Seasonings
- 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 prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix base ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-sodium cream of celery soup, and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir until thoroughly mixed, then pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange chicken and season: Lay the chicken tenders over the rice mixture evenly. Sprinkle the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper. Finally, sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the entire dish for added flavor.
- Cover and bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s important not to lift the foil or peek during baking to maintain moisture and tenderness.
- Fluff and serve: Remove the dish from the oven carefully. Remove the foil, and use a fork to fluff the rice beneath the chicken. Serve warm, combining portions of tender chicken with creamy, flavorful rice.
Notes
- Do not lift the foil during baking to ensure the rice cooks evenly and the chicken remains moist.
- You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs if desired, adjusting cooking time to ensure doneness.
- Use low-sodium soups and broth to better control salt content.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a little shredded cheese after baking before serving.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
