Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty no-peek chicken casserole that brings Southern hospitality straight to your dinner table. Rich rice, tender chicken, and creamy sauce blend into a simple yet satisfying meal that welcomes hungry family members with open arms.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Grains and Starches:
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 packet onion soup mix
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix directly over the rice, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Carefully arrange the chicken breasts on top of the seasoned rice, positioning them in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, water, melted butter, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt until thoroughly combined.
- Slowly pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure to distribute it evenly without disturbing the layer arrangement.
- Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and prevent any steam from escaping.
- Transfer the covered casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 60-75 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and golden.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.
Notes
- Swap long-grain white rice with brown rice for added nutrition, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and onion soup mix to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
- Consider adding chopped vegetables like carrots or broccoli for extra color, texture, and nutritional value during the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Experiment with different protein options such as boneless chicken thighs or turkey breasts to vary the dish’s flavor profile and accommodate personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70-85 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg