No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

The No-Stir Magic: No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this no peek chicken rice casserole that promises a delightful dinner solution.

Busy families will adore this hands-off meal that practically cooks itself.

Every bite delivers creamy, savory goodness without complicated preparation steps.

The magic happens when simple ingredients blend seamlessly in one baking dish.

Rich chicken, tender rice, and a luscious sauce create a hearty meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Warm and inviting aromas will fill your kitchen as this casserole bakes to golden perfection.

This recipe guarantees a stress-free dinner that everyone at the table will devour with enthusiasm.

What Sets No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Apart from the Rest

  • Minimal chopping and mixing make this recipe a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Creamy, hearty casserole delivers a satisfying meal that warms hearts and fills bellies with deliciousness.
  • Combine ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making dinner time stress-free for busy families.
  • Simple seasoning allows for easy customization while guaranteeing a tasty meal that appeals to both kids and adults.

Gathering Ingredients for No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients:
  • White Rice: The foundational grain that creates the hearty base of this comforting casserole.
  • Chicken Strips: Protein-rich meat that provides the main substance of the dish.
Soup and Broth Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Celery Soup: Creamy bases that add rich flavor and help create a smooth, moist texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and enhances overall flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Oregano, Paprika, Black Pepper: Spice combination that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Onion Soup Mix: Provides an extra layer of savory flavor and helps season the entire casserole.
Preparation Ingredient:
  • Nonstick Spray: Ensures the casserole does not stick to the baking dish.

Tools and Supplies for Chicken Rice Casserole Success

  • 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole.
  • Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining rice, soups, and broth.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients.
  • Foil: Crucial for trapping steam and keeping chicken moist.
  • Fork: Needed for fluffing rice after cooking.
  • Oven: Required for baking the casserole.
  • Nonstick Spray: Ensures easy dish release.

How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Dish

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and generously coat it with nonstick cooking spray.

This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create Creamy Rice Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Uncooked white rice
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Cream of celery soup
  • Chicken broth

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture with no lumps.

Step 3: Spread Rice Mixture

Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom to create a consistent base for the chicken.

Step 4: Add Seasoned Chicken

Gently place chicken strips on top of the rice mixture.

Sprinkle the chicken with a delightful blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Black pepper

Ensure each piece of chicken gets a good coating of these flavorful spices.

Step 5: Sprinkle Onion Soup Mix

Generously scatter the onion soup mix over the entire casserole, adding an extra layer of savory flavor that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 6: Seal And Bake

Cover the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal.

This traps the steam and keeps everything moist.

Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for one hour.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork, creating those perfect little rice pockets.

Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Kitchen Tips for Perfect No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

  • Choose reduced-sodium cream soups to control salt intake and create a healthier version of this comforting casserole.
  • Replace chicken with turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary variety and different flavor profiles.
  • Rinse uncooked rice before adding to remove excess starch, ensuring a fluffier and less sticky final dish.
  • Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme on top after baking to add brightness and extra aromatic depth to the casserole.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.

Flavorful Twists for No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

  • Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap cream soups with homemade gluten-free versions or use cornstarch-based cream substitutes, ensuring all seasoning mixes are gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Utilize low-sodium chicken broth, reduced-sodium cream soups, and skip the onion soup mix, adding fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for enhanced flavor without extra salt.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate Mediterranean spices like za'atar, swap white rice with quinoa, and add diced bell peppers and olives for a regional flavor profile and increased nutritional value.

Serving No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole for Any Occasion

  • Dinner Party Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftover Lunch Magic: Pack cold leftovers in meal prep containers for a satisfying next-day lunch that tastes even better after flavors meld overnight.
  • Fresh Herb Finisher: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.
  • Family Style Feast: Present the casserole directly in the baking dish at the center of the table for a cozy, rustic dinner experience that invites everyone to dig in together.

Storing and Reheating No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole the Right Way

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remains good for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place casserole in baking dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Add more broth and increase baking time by 20-30 minutes to ensure the rice is tender.

  • Is it okay to substitute cream soups with homemade versions?

Yes, you can make your own cream soups using a roux base with milk and seasonings. Just ensure the consistency is similar to canned soup for best results.

  • What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are ideal. They cook evenly and absorb the seasonings well, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

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No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty no peek chicken rice casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables across America. Simple ingredients blend effortlessly, creating a creamy, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
  • 1 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
  • 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

Soup and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 can low-sodium cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces / 298 grams)
  • 1 can low-sodium cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces / 298 grams)
  • 1 ounce (28 grams) packet dry onion soup mix

Spice Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking dish by coating a 9×13 inch pan with nonstick spray and preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Create the base layer by whisking together uncooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  3. Spread the rice mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, ensuring a uniform base.
  4. Arrange chicken strips carefully over the rice mixture, distributing them strategically across the surface.
  5. Season the chicken and rice layers generously with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  6. Distribute the onion soup mix uniformly over the entire casserole, creating a savory seasoning blanket.
  7. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight barrier that traps moisture and steam during cooking.
  8. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for precisely 60 minutes, preventing any lifting of the foil to maintain steam and ensure tender chicken.
  9. Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
  10. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then gently fluff rice with a fork before serving the aromatic, comforting casserole.

Notes

  • Swap white rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty flavor profile.
  • Use low-sodium cream soups and broth for heart-healthy modifications if watching salt intake.
  • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of oregano to create unique flavor variations.
  • Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly version of this comforting casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 402
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 570 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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