No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a hands-off, delicious comfort food that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. The combination of creamy soups, aromatic onion soup mix, and tender chicken breasts baked over fluffy rice makes this dish a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty meal for guests, this casserole is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup water
- 1 package dry onion soup mix
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 2 hours. Do not peek!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Addition: Add some frozen peas or carrots to the rice mixture before baking for added color and nutrition.
- Rice Substitution: You can substitute long grain white rice with brown rice, though you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Use Different Soups: Swap the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or add some cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some paprika for a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
- Can I use instant rice? It’s best to use long grain white rice for this recipe, as instant rice may cook too quickly and become mushy during the long baking time.
- Can I add more vegetables? Yes, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans to the casserole. Just make sure to thaw any frozen vegetables before adding them.
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Brown rice can be used, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
- What if I don’t have dry onion soup mix? You can substitute with a combination of onion powder, garlic powder, and dried onion flakes, or use a homemade onion soup mix.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time if it’s chilled.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well in this casserole. They may even provide a juicier result, but you will need to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature (165°F or 74°C).
- How do I know when the casserole is done? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the rice should be tender and fully cooked.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- What should I serve with this casserole? This casserole is a one-pot dish, but it pairs well with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is an easy, comforting, and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and offers a delicious meal with very little hands-on time. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and savory rice, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy days. Simply prepare the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and let the casserole do all the work—no peeking necessary!