– **Title**: No-Peek Chicken Casserole
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
– 1 package (1 oz) onion soup mix
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for cooking chicken)
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
3. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread out the uncooked rice evenly on the bottom.
4. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
5. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure to cover the rice evenly. Do not stir.
6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
8. After baking, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before uncovering.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve warm.
This casserole is easy to prepare and results in tender chicken and creamy rice, making it a comforting meal perfect for any evening. Enjoy your No-Peek Chicken Casserole!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe, but you can use thighs if you prefer extra flavor and moisture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs take a bit longer to cook.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal, but if you have brown rice, that’s fine too! Just note that you’ll need to increase the liquid and baking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Cream Soups: The cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups add great flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use reduced-fat versions or even substitute them with homemade cream sauce.
Onion & Celery: These veggies add sweetness and depth. If you don’t have celery, diced bell peppers work well too. Fresh herbs can also add a nice touch instead of dried parsley.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar is delicious on top, feel free to use any cheese you enjoy. Mozzarella or a blend would also be tasty. If you’re vegan, try a plant-based cheese alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Moist and Delicious?
To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, the key is to cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil during baking. This traps steam and keeps everything moist. Here are some tips:
- Season the chicken well before placing it on the rice mixture. You can even marinate it for a few hours if you have time!
- Don’t peek while baking. Keep the foil on for the full cooking time for best results.
- Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How to Make No-Peek Chicken Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This No-Peek Chicken Casserole will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy dish that cooks while you take care of other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and comes out perfectly.
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Add in the finely chopped onion, chopped celery, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until it’s nicely blended.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly so it covers the bottom of the dish. Now, take your seasoned chicken breasts and place them right on top of the rice mixture. If you want, you can season the chicken with a bit more salt, pepper, and any other spices you love.
4. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is important, as it helps cook the rice properly without peeking inside. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
5. Finishing Touches:
When the baking time’s up, carefully remove the foil and check that the chicken is cooked through. If you’d like to add cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar on top of the chicken, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 5-10 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is done baking, take the casserole out of the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it settle a bit. Then, serve it warm and enjoy your delicious No-Peek Chicken Casserole!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time! Brown rice takes longer to cook, so consider pre-cooking it about 15 minutes before adding it to the casserole mixture. Ensure all liquid ratios are still balanced (you may need a bit more broth) and cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture in during baking.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soups?
If you want to avoid using canned soups, you can make a homemade white sauce. Simply melt 4 tablespoons of butter, whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour, and gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened. For flavor, add some chicken or mushroom bouillon or seasoning. This will give you a similar creamy texture without the canned version!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the rice mixture. Just make sure to chop them small enough so they’ll cook through during baking. This is a great way to pack in extra nutrition and flavor!
