Easy Chicken Rice Casserole

Name: Easy No-Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice; 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips); 1 can (10.5 ounce) low-sodium cream of chicken soup; 1 can (10.5 ounce) low-sodium cream of celery soup; 1 & 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix; 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

Featured in Food for the Family.

This No-Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate hands-off comfort meal. Long grain rice and tender chicken combine with creamy soups and seasonings in one dish. The magic happens when it's tightly covered and left undisturbed while baking - the steam creates perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken. The onion soup mix adds rich flavor while the combination of cream soups creates a luxurious sauce. It's ideal for busy weeknights since all ingredients go in at once with minimal prep required.

By Sou

Updated on Thu, 23 Jan 2025 02:30:13 GMT

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Chicken Rice Casserole | mamamiakitchen.com

This satisfying chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy sauce into a comforting one-dish meal. The "no peek" method ensures everything cooks evenly while the onion soup mix creates an irresistibly savory crust.

Making this casserole reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. The way the kitchen fills with savory aromas while it bakes takes me right back to those cozy family meals.

Essential Ingredients Guide

Long grain white rice: Avoid quick-cooking varieties
Cream soups: Create rich, velvety sauce
Chicken tenders: Cook quickly and stay moist
Onion soup mix: Forms flavorful crust
Low-sodium broth: Controls salt level

Step-by-Step Method

Layer Carefully: Mix rice and soups thoroughly; Spread mixture evenly in pan; Arrange chicken in single layer; Season each piece well; Top with soup mix

Easy Chicken Rice Casserole | mamamiakitchen.com

Seal Properly: Use heavy-duty foil; Crimp edges tightly; Double-wrap if needed; No peeking during cooking

Test for Doneness: Check chicken temperature; Fluff rice gently; Let rest before serving; Check seasoning

My family's favorite part is the crispy topping that forms from the onion soup mix. I often make extra rice mixture since everyone loves soaking up the creamy sauce.

Perfect Pairings

Add color with roasted broccoli or a bright salad. The casserole provides the comfort while sides add freshness.

Time-Saving Tips

Measure ingredients ahead and combine rice mixture. Refrigerate until ready to assemble and bake.

Variations to Try

Switch up soups or add vegetables. I love adding mushrooms and peas for extra nutrition and flavor.

Homemade Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe | mamamiakitchen.com

Years of making this casserole have taught me that patience is key - resist the urge to peek! The steam trapped inside creates the perfect texture that makes this dish so comforting and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why can't I peek while it's cooking?: The steam is essential for cooking the rice properly and keeping the chicken moist. Opening the foil releases this needed moisture.
→ Can I use different cuts of chicken?: Yes, but chicken tenders are ideal as they cook evenly in the given time. Adjust cooking time for larger pieces.
→ Can I prepare this ahead?: Mix the rice and soup mixture ahead, but add chicken just before baking for best results.
→ What if my rice isn't fully cooked?: If needed, add 10-15 minutes cooking time, keeping foil sealed tightly.
→ Can I add vegetables?: Yes, frozen vegetables can be added, but fresh ones may release too much water and affect rice texture.

Easy No-Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

A creamy, one-dish chicken and rice casserole that cooks to perfection without stirring or peeking.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

60 Minutes

Total Time

75 Minutes

By: Sou

Category: Family Dinners

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Base

01 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice

02 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips)

→ Soups and Broth

03 1 can (10.5 ounce) low-sodium cream of chicken soup

04 1 can (10.5 ounce) low-sodium cream of celery soup

05 1 & 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth

06 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix

→ Seasonings

07 1 teaspoon garlic powder

08 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

09 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

10 1/4 teaspoon paprika

11 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.

Step 02

In a mixing bowl, combine uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and chicken broth until incorporated.

Step 03

Pour mixture into baking dish in an even layer. Place chicken strips on top of soup mixture.

Step 04

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle entire casserole with onion soup mix.

Step 05

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour or until chicken reaches 165°F. Do not open during cooking.

Step 06

Fluff rice with a fork and serve with chicken.

Notes

No peeking during cooking - steam keeps chicken moist
Perfect one-dish meal for busy weeknights

Tools You'll Need

9×13 baking dish
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Contains dairy (cream soups)

Sou

Hi! I'm Sou, and I love making cooking fun and easy for everyone. I believe great food doesn't need fancy ingredients or complicated steps - just simple recipes and a bit of joy in the kitchen. Through Mamamia Kitchen, I share recipes that I've tested and perfected. My goal is to help you make delicious meals that bring smiles to your table.