Creamy No-Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole with Savory Onion Soup Mix
This No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. The combination of creamy soups, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice makes each bite rich and flavorful. Topped with a savory layer of onion soup mix, this casserole is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal—just cover tightly with foil and bake without peeking for that perfect texture.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 6-8 chicken thighs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, mix the rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water (or chicken broth) until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover Tightly: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture—don’t peek while it’s baking!
- Bake: Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked and creamy.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Rice Choice: Use long-grain white rice for the best results. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice, as it may overcook and become mushy.
- Even Cooking: If using thicker chicken breasts, consider cutting them in half to ensure they cook evenly with the rice.
- Broth for Flavor: Using chicken broth instead of water enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.