Lazy Day No-Peek Chicken Casserole Recipe: Set It & Forget It!

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this delightful no-peek chicken casserole that promises pure culinary magic.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned ingredients meld together in a dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

This easy-to-make casserole requires minimal prep and delivers maximum satisfaction.

Simple ingredients combine to create an irresistible meal that turns an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Hearty, comforting, and wildly delicious, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish and watch as smiles light up around the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

All You Need For No-Peek Chicken Casserole

• Uncooked Rice: Provides hearty foundation, choose long-grain white rice for best texture and consistent cooking.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, creamy base, select low-sodium version for controlled saltiness.
• Cream of Celery Soup: Enhances depth of flavor, opt for name-brand for reliable consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and depth, select low-sodium for better control of salt levels.

• Chicken Breasts: Main protein source, pick fresh, boneless, skinless cuts for even cooking and lean texture.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for more balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat, freshly ground provides more robust flavor.
• Onion Soup Mix: Delivers concentrated savory notes, look for mix without artificial additives.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Provides bright garnish, choose vibrant green leaves for maximum visual appeal.

Tools To Bake No-Peek Chicken Casserole Without Fuss

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Essential for layering and baking the casserole evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Precise for measuring rice, soups, and broth.
• Stirring Spoon: Helps mix ingredients smoothly in the baking dish.
• Aluminum Foil: Crucial for creating a tight seal during baking.
• Sharp Knife: Used for seasoning chicken and optional parsley garnish.

How To Cook No-Peek Chicken Casserole Tender And Juicy

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a cozy 350F temperature. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Rice Foundation

Create a creamy base by mixing uncooked rice with smooth soups and broth directly in the baking dish. Blend everything until it looks like a delicious, uniform mixture.

• Chicken Placement

Nestle seasoned chicken pieces gently on top of the rice landscape. Let the meat rest comfortably on the creamy foundation.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle onion soup mix generously across the chicken and rice, creating a magical layer of seasoning that will make taste buds dance.

• Baking Magic

Wrap the dish completely in aluminum foil, creating a sealed treasure of flavors. Slide into the oven and let it transform for 1.5 hours without peeking.

• Serving Delight

Carefully remove from the oven and let the dish rest. If you’re feeling fancy, add a touch of fresh parsley for color and extra flavor. Serve this comforting meal while it’s warm and inviting.

Tips To Add Extra Flavor To No-Peek Chicken Casserole

• Rice Perfection Hack: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture and prevent mushy results. Short-grain or brown rice might require adjusted liquid and cooking times.
• Protein Power Switch: Swap chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor, or use turkey breasts for a leaner protein option. Bone-in chicken pieces can also work wonderfully.
• Dietary Friendly Twist: Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream soups and checking the onion soup mix ingredients. For low-sodium diets, select reduced-sodium broths and soups to control salt intake.
• Veggie Boost Technique: Enhance nutrition by adding chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers directly into the rice mixture before baking. These extras bring color, flavor, and additional nutrients to the casserole.
• Flavor Enhancement Strategy: Elevate the dish's taste by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle some garlic powder and smoked paprika over the chicken before baking for extra depth and aroma.

How To Serve No-Peek Chicken Casserole Hot And Hearty

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Veggie Side Kick: Roasted broccoli or steamed asparagus complement the chicken's savory taste and add nutritional variety.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Warm crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread make perfect companions for soaking up the delicious sauce from the casserole.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: A light chardonnay or pinot grigio will beautifully enhance the creamy, comforting meal's overall taste profile.

Store No-Peek Chicken Casserole For Easy Meals

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and food safety.
• Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm individual servings in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Meal Prep Champion: Assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Brings convenience for busy weeknight dinners, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.

Creamy No-Peek Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

No-peek chicken casserole delivers comfort from Southern kitchens with creamy rice and tender chicken. Home cooks discover an easy one-dish meal that guarantees delicious results without constant monitoring.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz or 298 g) cream of celery soup
• 1.5 cups (355 ml) low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1.5 cups (270 g) long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Base Layer: Whisk uncooked rice, chicken soup, celery soup, and chicken broth into a smooth, uniform mixture, spreading evenly across the dish’s bottom.
3. Chicken Placement: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully position them atop the rice mixture, creating a single layer without disrupting the underlying base.
4. Flavor Infusion: Sprinkle onion soup mix generously over the chicken, creating a robust seasoning blanket that will permeate the entire dish during cooking.
5. Moisture Sealing: Completely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating an airtight seal that will trap steam and ensure tender, succulent results.
6. Baking Process: Slide the sealed casserole into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C), allowing it to slowly cook and meld flavors for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
7. Finishing Touch: Remove foil, let the casserole rest briefly to stabilize, then optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving this comforting, one-dish meal.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Clumping: Whisk rice mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution and avoid dry or sticky patches.
• Choose Chicken Wisely: Select uniform-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and prevent uneven doneness.
• Seal Tightly for Moisture: Crimp aluminum foil edges meticulously to trap steam and maintain succulent chicken texture.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with alternative soup mixes or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for personalized taste variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg