Imagine a meal that practically cooks itself, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and promising a delicious, hassle-free dinner. This No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – a magical one-pan dish that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1 can (300g / 10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (300g / 10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 package onion soup mix (or 1 packet onion soup seasoning)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Select a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches).
2. Create the Casserole Base
- Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
- Add onion soup mix and stir until well combined.
- Pour soup mixture evenly over the rice.
3. Add the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Carefully arrange chicken on top of the rice and sauce mixture.
4. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for exactly 1 hour.
- Important: Do NOT remove the foil during baking to ensure perfect rice and juicy chicken.
5. Optional Cheese Topping
- After 1 hour, remove the dish from the oven.
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
- Return to oven for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden.
6. Serving
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Cooking and Nutrition Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Why This Casserole Is a Nutritional Champion
This dish is more than just comfort food – it’s a balanced meal packed with protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and essential nutrients from the vegetables and broths. The combination provides a satisfying meal that offers sustained energy and supports muscle health. The use of lean chicken breasts keeps the dish relatively low in fat while providing high-quality protein.
Pro Tips
- Use low-sodium soup mixes to control salt intake.
- For extra flavor, add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- Excellent for meal prep and freezes well.
Delicious Variations
- Substitute chicken with turkey breasts
- Add frozen mixed vegetables for extra nutrition
- Use brown rice for added fiber
- Experiment with different cheese toppings
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect weeknight family dinner
- Great for potlucks and gatherings
- Ideal for meal prepping
- Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad
Discover the magic of a truly effortless, delicious meal that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table!