This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a simple yet comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken tenders nestled on a creamy rice mixture, this casserole is flavorful, satisfying, and requires minimal hands-on time. The best part? You can let it cook without peeking, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream of chicken and celery soups creates a rich, creamy base that keeps the rice moist.
- Tender Chicken: Covering the dish while it bakes traps steam, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
- Easy Prep: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this casserole is great for a hassle-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice: The base of the casserole, providing heartiness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) low-sodium cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) low-sodium cream of celery soup: Complements the chicken flavor with a hint of celery.
- 1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and enhances flavor.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): The protein component, ensuring the meal is filling.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For added flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herbal note.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: For seasoning.
- 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix: A flavor booster that adds depth.
How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Rice Base
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice, 1 can of low-sodium cream of chicken soup, 1 can of low-sodium cream of celery soup, and 1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Nestle the Chicken
- Place the 2 pounds of chicken tenders on top of the soup mixture.
- Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam to keep the chicken moist.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid opening the oven door during cooking to maintain moisture.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the foil (watch out for steam).
- Fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate the flavors. Serve warm, pairing the chicken with the creamy rice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own but can be paired with a variety of sides for a more rounded dinner:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots add a pop of color and nutrients.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a comforting touch.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to check on the casserole while it’s baking; the steam is crucial for cooking the chicken properly.
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
For a serving of No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole:
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite, providing a delicious, comforting meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the delightful blend of creamy rice and tender chicken with every bite!
Recipe Card
No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
This **No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole** is a simple yet comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken tenders nestled on a creamy rice mixture, this casserole is flavorful, satisfying, and requires minimal hands-on time. The best part? You can let it cook without peeking, ensuring that the chicken stays juicy and the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Ingredients
- – **1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice**: The base of the casserole providing heartiness.
- – **1 can 10.5 oz low-sodium cream of chicken soup**: Adds creaminess and flavor.
- – **1 can 10.5 oz low-sodium cream of celery soup**: Complements the chicken flavor with a hint of celery.
- – **1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth**: Provides moisture and enhances flavor.
- – **2 pounds chicken tenders** about 12 strips: The protein component, ensuring the meal is filling.
- – **1 teaspoon garlic powder**: For added flavor.
- – **1/2 teaspoon onion powder**: Enhances the savory profile.
- – **1/4 teaspoon dried oregano**: Adds an herbal note.
- – **1/4 teaspoon paprika**: Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
- – **1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper**: For seasoning.
- – **1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix**: A flavor booster that adds depth.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to **375°F (190°C)**. While the oven is heating, prepare your baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- – Coat a **9×13-inch baking dish** with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix the Rice Base
- – In a mixing bowl, combine **1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice**, **1 can of low-sodium cream of chicken soup**, **1 can of low-sodium cream of celery soup**, and **1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth**. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
- – Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Nestle the Chicken
- – Place the **2 pounds of chicken tenders** on top of the soup mixture.
- – Season the chicken with **1 teaspoon garlic powder**, **1/2 teaspoon onion powder**, **1/4 teaspoon dried oregano**, **1/4 teaspoon paprika**, and **1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper**.
- – Sprinkle the **dry onion soup mix** evenly over the chicken.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
- – Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps steam to keep the chicken moist.
- – Bake in the preheated oven for **1 hour** or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of **165°F (74°C)**. Avoid opening the oven door during cooking to maintain moisture.
Step 6: Fluff and Serve
- – Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully take off the foil (watch out for steam).
- – Fluff the rice with a fork to incorporate the flavors. Serve warm, pairing the chicken with the creamy rice mixture.