Description
Southern comfort meets simplicity in this no-peek chicken casserole, where creamy rice and tender chicken create a hearty one-pan wonder. Effortless preparation and rich flavors make this dish a family favorite that brings warmth to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Seasoning & Spices:
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Liquid & Binding:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even foundation for the casserole.
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and creating a uniform base.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, water, milk, and melted butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-combined.
- Incorporate the dry onion soup mix, black pepper, and garlic powder into the liquid mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Carefully pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure to cover the entire surface without disturbing the layers.
- Tightly seal the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a complete barrier that traps moisture and prevents evaporation during cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, ensuring the rice becomes tender and the chicken cooks through completely.
- Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to allow the top to lightly brown and develop a subtle crisp texture.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with bone-in thighs for richer, more tender meat that stays incredibly juicy during baking.
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and rice varieties to transform this dish into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising flavor.
- Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond or coconut milk for a lighter, lactose-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before the final 10 minutes of uncovered baking to boost aromatic complexity and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-75 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg