Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, you’re in the right place. This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a true classic that never disappoints. With minimal prep work and a whole lot of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home.
Introduction
There’s something uniquely comforting about a casserole. This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole brings together the savory flavors of chicken, rice, and a medley of spices, all baked to perfection in one dish. The “no peek” part of the recipe is key—keeping the dish covered while it bakes ensures that the steam works its magic, creating tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
This recipe has been a favorite in households for decades, often passed down through generations. It’s not just the convenience that makes it special but also the heartwarming memories of sharing it with loved ones. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding your own twist, this dish is sure to bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole, you’ll need:
- 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can low-sodium cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can low-sodium cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
- 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
- 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix
Optional Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken tenders with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the soups used are certified gluten-free.
How to Make No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
Follow these steps to create your own delicious No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Nestle the chicken strips on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and fresh cracked black pepper. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This step is crucial—do not peek during the baking process! The steam generated inside will ensure the chicken remains tender and the rice cooks perfectly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the chicken.
Helpful Tips
To ensure your No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider the following tips:
- Use a high-quality baking dish: A heavy-duty baking dish helps maintain an even temperature and prevents the bottom from burning.
- Don’t peek! It might be tempting, but lifting the foil while baking will release steam and disrupt the cooking process.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
Cooking Tips
Enhance your No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole with these additional cooking tips:
- Add vegetables: For a complete meal in one dish, try adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers into the rice mixture before baking.
- Cheese lovers: If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. It adds a creamy, melted layer that’s hard to resist.
Recommended Equipment:
- A sturdy baking dish: A 9×13 glass or ceramic dish works best.
- Foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil ensures a tight seal, which is essential for retaining steam.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or green beans add a healthy, colorful touch to your plate.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
For a truly comforting meal, pair this dish with a glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling apple cider.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a brief overview of the Nutritional Information for this No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole:
This casserole is not only filling but also provides a balanced mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying option for any meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 400mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 6% DV
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until hot.
For a fun twist, turn the leftovers into a new dish! Add some cooked vegetables and cheese to create a flavorful chicken and rice stir-fry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice has a longer cooking time. You may need to increase the baking time by 20-30 minutes, or par-cook the rice before adding it to the casserole.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with another can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a kick of heat.
Related Recipes
Looking for more delicious and comforting recipes? Check out these:
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and eating this No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole as much as we do! It’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a bit of nostalgia with every bite. Don’t forget to share your own twists on this recipe in the comments below—whether you add extra veggies, a layer of cheese, or even a bit of spice, we’d love to hear how you make it your own.
Happy cooking!
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No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole: Easy Comfort Food
Description
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food recipe! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying, you’re in the right place. This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a true classic that never disappoints. With minimal prep work and a whole lot of flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your home
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can low-sodium cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 can low-sodium cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 & 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)
- 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
- 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix
Optional Substitutions:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken tenders with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the soups used are certified gluten-free.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13 baking dish by coating it with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Nestle the chicken strips on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and fresh cracked black pepper. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This step is crucial—do not peek during the baking process! The steam generated inside will ensure the chicken remains tender and the rice cooks perfectly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve with the chicken.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use a high-quality baking dish: A heavy-duty baking dish helps maintain an even temperature and prevents the bottom from burning.
- Don’t peek! It might be tempting, but lifting the foil while baking will release steam and disrupt the cooking process.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
