Looking for a comforting and easy-to-make dinner option? The No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is the perfect solution! This dish combines tender chicken tenders, flavorful rice, and creamy soups to create a meal that will satisfy the whole family. The best part? It's all baked together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious casserole ready to go in the oven. Just remember, no peeking while it bakes! The steam is key to keeping the chicken moist and the rice perfectly cooked.
If you're in search of a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that will delight your family, the No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is an ideal choice. This hearty dish features tender chicken tenders nestled on a bed of flavorful rice, all brought together by creamy soups. The beauty of this casserole is in its simplicity—everything bakes together in one dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have this delicious meal ready for the oven in no time. The key to this recipe is to avoid peeking while it bakes; the steam trapped inside is essential for keeping the chicken moist and ensuring the rice cooks to perfection. It's a foolproof recipe that promises a satisfying and delicious result every time.
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups uncooked long grain white rice: This forms the base of the casserole, providing a tender, fluffy texture.
- 1 can low-sodium cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Adds creamy richness and enhances the chicken flavor.
- 1 can low-sodium cream of celery soup (10.5 ounces): Adds depth of flavor and a touch of creaminess to the dish.
- 1 & 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth: Helps cook the rice and infuse it with savory flavors.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders (about 12 strips): The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites of chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile of the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Provides a mild kick and a hint of smokiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish.
- 1 ounce packet dry onion soup mix: Adds additional savory flavor and a bit of texture to the casserole.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Rice and Soup Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 & 1/2 cups of 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 of low sodium chicken broth. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Make sure there are no clumps of soup, as this will ensure an even distribution of flavor and proper cooking of the rice.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom. This will form the base layer of the casserole. Next, take the 2 pounds of chicken tenders and arrange them on top of the rice mixture. Space the chicken tenders evenly across the dish to ensure they cook uniformly and each piece is surrounded by the flavorful rice mixture.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken tenders with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh cracked black pepper. It's important to sprinkle the seasonings evenly over the chicken to ensure each bite is packed with flavor. Gently pat the seasonings into the chicken to help them adhere better.
Step 5: Add Onion Soup Mix
Open the 1-ounce packet of dry onion soup mix and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole. The onion soup mix adds an additional depth of flavor and a slightly crunchy texture to the dish. Make sure to distribute it evenly so every portion of the casserole gets some of the flavorful mix.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it traps the steam inside, keeping the chicken moist and helping the rice to cook evenly. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Resist the urge to peek during baking, as releasing the steam can affect the cooking process.
Step 7: Fluff and Serve
After 1 hour, remove the casserole from the oven. Carefully remove the foil, as the steam will be hot. Using a fork, fluff the rice to mix in the flavors from the chicken and seasonings. Ensure that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy a comforting, hearty meal.
Serving and Storage Tips
This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for family dinners. Here are some tips on how to serve and store this delicious meal:
Serving Tips:
- Portion Sizes: Serve the casserole in generous portions, ensuring each plate gets a good mix of chicken and rice. This recipe typically serves 6-8 people, making it ideal for gatherings or leftovers.
- Side Dishes: Complement the casserole with a side of steamed vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnish: For an added touch of flavor and presentation, garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also enhance the dish.
- Serving Temperature: Serve the casserole hot, straight from the oven. If it cools down, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, make sure it is piping hot throughout before serving.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for longer storage. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For individual portions, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Helpful Notes About the Recipe
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make your No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole even better:
Recipe Tips:
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Ensure that the chicken tenders are similar in size for even cooking. If using larger chicken breasts, cut them into smaller strips or chunks.
- Rice Choice: This recipe calls for long grain white rice, but you can experiment with other types like basmati or jasmine for a different flavor and texture. Avoid using quick-cooking rice as it may become mushy.
- Soup Variations: Feel free to mix and match the cream soups based on your preference or what you have on hand. Cream of mushroom soup can be a great alternative to cream of celery.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the rice mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Cheesy Twist: For a cheesy version, sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Remove the foil to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeno to the seasoning mix for a spicy variation. It will add a nice kick to the dish.
Quotes from Well-Known Chefs:
"This No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with flavorful, creamy rice. It's perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal with minimal effort." – Ina Garten
"A casserole like this is a lifesaver. Simple, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The no-peek method ensures that the chicken stays moist and the rice cooks perfectly every time." – Gordon Ramsay
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