Description
A comforting and easy no-peek chicken and rice casserole that combines creamy soups, seasoned rice, and tender chicken breasts baked to perfection in one dish. This hearty meal requires minimal preparation and bakes slowly to infuse rich flavors, making it ideal for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp dried parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour the rice mixture into it evenly, spreading it out as the base layer for the casserole.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture, pressing them slightly into the sauce to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors.
- Drizzle Butter: Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken breasts to add richness and enhance browning during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent moisture loss. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes without opening the foil to maintain the cooking environment.
- Rest and Garnish: Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before uncovering. Sprinkle dried parsley on top for a fresh and colorful garnish, then serve warm.
Notes
- Ensure the casserole is tightly covered to trap steam, which helps cook the rice and chicken evenly.
- Do not peek during baking to maintain moisture and prevent drying out the dish.
- Use fresh chicken breasts for best texture and flavor but frozen can be used if fully thawed.
- For a richer flavor, substitute butter with melted garlic butter or add a little shredded cheese on top before baking.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; adjust baking time slightly if baking from cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
