No-Peek Chicken Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of families across the globe. This comforting casserole is not only easy to prepare but also offers a rich blend of flavors that make it a perfect weeknight meal. Originating from the classic American kitchen, the No-Peek Chicken Casserole has become a staple for busy households, allowing home cooks to create a satisfying dinner without the fuss of constant monitoring.

People love this dish for its creamy texture and savory taste, which come together beautifully with tender chicken and a medley of vegetables. The convenience of simply placing all the ingredients in one dish and letting it bake makes it a go-to recipe for those hectic evenings. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, the No-Peek Chicken Casserole is sure to impress with its hearty flavors and minimal effort. Dive into this recipe and discover why it has become a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere!

this Recipe

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, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
5. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
6. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Do not cook through; they will finish cooking in the oven.

Preparing the Casserole Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and onion soup mix.
2. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no lumps from the soup.
3. Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture in the baking dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
2. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in while the casserole cooks.

Baking the Casserole

1. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 1 hour. Do not peek during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the rice and chicken properly.
3. After 1 hour, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape.
4. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

1. Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling, remove it from the oven.
2. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
3. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the No-Peek Chicken Casserole warm, directly from the baking dish.
2. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Tips for Success

1. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning or dressing for a few hours before cooking.
2. You can substitute the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with homemade versions if you prefer a healthier option.
3. Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the casserole mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
4. If you want a crispy topping, you can add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top of the cheese before the final baking step.

Conclusion:

In summary, this No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious, hassle-free meal that the whole family will love. With its creamy texture, tender chicken, and flavorful blend of seasonings, this dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also simplifies your cooking routine. The beauty of this casserole lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out the chicken for turkey, or even using a different type of rice to suit your preferences. For an extra touch, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness of the casserole. You can also top it with crispy fried onions or fresh herbs for added flavor and texture. We encourage you to give this No-Peek Chicken Casserole a try and experience the joy of a comforting, home-cooked meal that requires minimal effort. Once you’ve made it, we’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, variations, and any tips you might have in the comments below or on social media. Happy cooking! Print

No-Peek Chicken Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 90 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Description
This No-Peek Chicken Casserole is a simple and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is sure to satisfy the entire family!
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 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, uncooked
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
3. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
5. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
6. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Do not cook through; they will finish cooking in the oven.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, chicken broth, and onion soup mix.
8. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no lumps from the soup.
9. Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
10. Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture in the baking dish. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
11. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in while the casserole cooks.
12. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven.
13. Bake for 1 hour. Do not peek during this time, as the steam is essential for cooking the rice and chicken properly.
14. After 1 hour, carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Be cautious of the steam that will escape.
15. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
16. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
17. Once the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling, remove it from the oven.
18. Let the casserole sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.
19. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Notes
• For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning or dressing for a few hours before cooking.
• You can substitute the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups with homemade versions if you prefer a healthier option.
• Feel free to add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the casserole mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
• If you want a crispy topping, you can add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top of the cheese before the final baking step.
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes