No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and straightforward dish that combines tender chicken with flavorful, creamy rice. The name “No Peek” comes from the cooking method—once the casserole is in the oven, it’s covered and left undisturbed, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly without any peeking. This one-pan meal is ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a hassle-free dinner option.Plain Chicken+3Belly Full+3The Recipe Critic+3
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Preparation: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this casserole is quick to assemble, making it perfect for those with a busy schedule.
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One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks together in a single dish, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
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Family-Friendly: The creamy texture and mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults, making it a versatile choice for family dinners.
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Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables or adjusting seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
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1½ cups uncooked long grain white rice
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1 can (10.5 ounces) low-sodium cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 ounces) low-sodium cream of mushroom soupLog in or sign up to view+1Plain Chicken+1
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1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 packet onion soup mix (1 ounce)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
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Prepare the Rice Mixture: In the greased baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well mixed.upstateramblings.com
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Add the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.upstateramblings.com
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Sprinkle the Soup Mix: Evenly distribute the onion soup mix over the chicken and rice.
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Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remember, no peeking during baking to ensure the steam cooks the dish properly.
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Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields 4 servings.
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Preparation Time: Approximately 10 minutes.
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Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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Total Time: About 1 hour and 25 minutes.Plain Chicken
Variations
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like sliced mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots into the rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
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Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
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Herbal Infusion: Add herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the rice mixture to enhance the flavor profile.
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Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, mix in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the rice mixture.
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s cooled completely before wrapping tightly and placing in the freezer.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
What type of rice should I use for this casserole?
Long grain white rice is recommended for this recipe, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well. Avoid using instant or quick-cooking rice, as it may become mushy.
Can I substitute the cream soups with other varieties?
Yes, you can use other cream soups like cream of celery or cream of onion based on your preference.Simply Recipes
Is it necessary to use the onion soup mix?
The onion soup mix adds significant flavor to the dish. If you prefer not to use it, consider adding your own blend of dried onions and seasonings to achieve a similar taste.The Lazy Dish
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used; however, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
How can I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
Ensure you’re using long grain rice and avoid overbaking. Keeping the dish tightly covered during baking helps the rice cook properly without becoming mushy.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Steamed vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or roasted asparagus complement this casserole nicely.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the rice is tender
Print
No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6
Description
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-pan comfort food! Made with tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy rice, it’s an easy dump-and-bake dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
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1 can (10.5 oz) low-sodium cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or another can of cream of chicken)
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1 3/4 cups water or chicken broth
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1 packet onion soup mix
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1 1/2 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In the baking dish, mix together uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water or broth until well combined.
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Lay chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
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Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top.
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil—this is key, no peeking while it bakes!
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Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
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Don’t lift the foil while baking—this helps trap steam and cooks the rice perfectly.
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You can swap in brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid.
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Add frozen peas or mushrooms before baking for a veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking