Our Easy One Pan No Peek Chicken and Rice Recipe

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Are you always looking for that no fuss chicken dinner recipe? that magical one-pan recipe that even picky eaters will enjoy? This One Pan No Peek Chicken and Rice casserole dish is perfect for the whole family and only takes minutes of prep time! Talk about being perfect for those busy weeknights – it will be your new recipe favorite! 

Sometimes called “Forgotten chicken”, this is a simple yet delightful dish that promises to minimize kitchen mess and maximize flavor. The premise is straightforward: you combine uncooked rice, chicken, and a selection of spices in a single baking dish, cover it securely, and bake it in the oven without lifting the lid to peek during the cooking process. This method seals in steam and aromatics, ensuring that the ingredients meld into a savory and comforting meal. Talk about an easy dinner recipe!

Your journey to a hassle-free dinner could hardly be more straightforward. As the rice cooks slowly in the oven, it absorbs the flavors of the chicken and spices from the dry onion soup mix, while the meat becomes tender and juicy.

This dish isn’t just about convenience and taste, but also about the adaptability it offers. Feel free to personalize the recipe by including vegetables of your choice, trying different spices, or even using your favorite cut of chicken. With this single-pan method, the resulting dish is both satisfying and versatile, easily adaptable to your unique palate or to what you already have in your pantry.

Key Ingredients

To prepare this dish, you’ll need the fundamental ingredients listed below:

4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose high-quality chicken breasts, which will become tender and flavorful as they cook with the rice and creamy sauces.

1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup: This creamy and savory soup provides a rich base of flavor for the dish, adding depth to the sauce.

1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup: The earthy notes of cream of mushroom soup complement the creamy chicken soup and add another layer of deliciousness to the recipe.

2 Cups Chicken Broth: Chicken broth is the liquid foundation of the dish, infusing the rice and chicken with savory flavor as they cook together.

2 Cups Rice: Long-grain white rice is the perfect choice for this recipe, as it absorbs the flavorful liquids and becomes tender without turning mushy.

1 Packet Onion Soup Mix: This versatile mix brings an aromatic blend of onion, herbs, and spices that will season the entire dish, adding complexity and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

In this section, you’ll find precise, straightforward steps to make one pan no peek chicken and rice. Every stage, from ingredient preparation to baking, is designed to maximize flavor and ensure a successful dish.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is ready for baking your delicious one-pan meal.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Take a 13×9-inch baking dish and prepare it by generously spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Set the seasoned chicken aside for now.

Combine the Soups, Broth, Rice, and Onion Soup Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, long-grain white rice, and the packet of onion soup mix. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined. This mixture forms the flavorful base of your dish.

Pour into the Baking Dish: Pour the creamy soup and rice mixture evenly into the prepared 13×9-inch baking dish. Ensure that the mixture is spread out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.

Place the Chicken on Top: Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the creamy mixture in the baking dish. Slightly press them down into the mixture so that they’re partially submerged.

Cover Tightly with Foil: To achieve that “no peek” cooking method, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is essential for allowing the rice to steam and the chicken to cook perfectly while retaining moisture.

Bake for 1 to 1 ½ Hours: Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the thickness of the chicken. The chicken should be cooked through, and the rice should be tender when it’s done.

Serve and Enjoy: Once fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Serve this comforting one-pan meal hot, with the creamy sauce enveloping the chicken and rice in rich and savory flavors.

This 1-Pan No-Peek Chicken and Rice dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly delicious. It’s the perfect choice for a satisfying family dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

When serving One Pan No Peek Chicken and Rice, presentation and choice of sides can greatly enhance the dining experience.

Plating

Your dish should be served hot, straight from the oven. For an appealing presentation, use a large serving spoon to scoop portions onto plates, ensuring each plate has an even mix of chicken and rice. Garnishing with fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a pop of color and a subtle hint of freshness to the dish.

Accompaniments

The simplicity of this entree pairs well with a variety of sides. Below are some options to consider:

• Steamed Vegetables:
  • Broccoli: A classic that offers a crunchy texture.
  • Carrots: Sliced or whole baby carrots for a touch of sweetness.
  • Green Beans: That pop of color adds to the dish.
• Salads:
  • A simple green salad: Dressed in vinaigrette for a light, refreshing contrast.
  • Cucumber salad: Thinly sliced cucumbers with a dill and vinegar dressing.
• Bread:
  • Garlic bread: For sopping up any remaining sauce.
  • Dinner rolls: A soft and warm complement to the hearty chicken and rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage and reheating of one pan no peek chicken and rice ensure safety and preserve flavor.

Storing Leftovers

After cooking, allow the leftover chicken and rice to cool to room temperature before refrigeration to prevent bacterial growth. Transfer your leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. Leftovers will be safe to eat for up to 3-4 days when kept at or below 40°F (4°C).

Best Reheating Methods

To reheat, choose a method that maintains the dish’s moisture and prevents drying out:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, add a few tablespoons of water or broth, cover with foil, and heat for 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover with a lid or wet paper towel, and start with a 1-2 minute interval on medium power, stirring and checking periodically to avoid overheating.

Using these methods, your one pan no peek chicken and rice will taste just as good as when it was freshly made.

Troubleshooting

When you encounter issues with your chicken rice casserole, consider these common problems and solutions:

• Rice not fully cooked: If your rice remains uncooked, it may be due to insufficient liquid or incorrect oven temperature.
  • Ensure you’ve added the correct amount of liquid as specified in the recipe.
  • Verify your oven is properly calibrated and set to the correct temperature.
• Chicken not cooked evenly: Uneven cooking can result from varying chicken piece sizes or placement in the pan.
  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces.
  • Arrange the chicken evenly over the rice to promote even cooking.
• Lack of flavor: If your dish tastes bland, it might need more seasoning.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings before sealing the pan with foil.
  • Consider adding herbs or spices like paprika, garlic powder, or a bay leaf.
• Too much liquid: If there’s too much liquid after cooking, the measurements may have been off, or the lid wasn’t sealed tightly.
  • Double-check liquid measurements against the recipe.
  • Ensure the foil covers the pan securely with no gaps.
• Dry texture: An overly dry outcome likely results from cooking too long or at too high a temperature.
  • Stick closely to the specified cooking time.
  • If your oven runs hot, reduce the temperature slightly.

For best results, always use a timer and preheat your oven thoroughly. Check the doneness of both chicken and rice with a thermometer or by ensuring the rice is tender. Remember that ovens may vary, so adjustments might be necessary to achieve perfection with your specific appliance.

Alternative Variations

One Pan No-Peek Chicken and Rice is highly adaptable to match dietary preferences. The following variations ensure that you can enjoy this dish, even with specific dietary needs.

Vegetarian Adaptation

• Swap chicken for canned chickpeas or firm tofu cubes to preserve protein content.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the savory flavor profile.

Low-Carb Alternatives

• Substitute white rice with cauliflower rice for a significant reduction in carbohydrates.
• For added texture and nutrients, incorporate diced bell peppers and mushrooms into the mix.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

When preparing one pan no peek chicken and rice, achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures is key. Here are practical tips to enhance your cooking process:

• Rice Selection: Use long-grain rice for optimal texture. It’s less sticky and holds up well during the baking process.
• Chicken Preparation: Season your chicken thoroughly and evenly. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help it adhere better.

Arranging Ingredients:

• Place the rice at the bottom of the pan to ensure it absorbs all the cooking liquids.
• Arrange the chicken on top of the rice without overlapping pieces to cook evenly.
• Seal the Pan: Tightly cover your pan with aluminum foil to trap steam and prevent drying.

Remember, do not peek! Keep the oven door closed to maintain a constant temperature and ensure even cooking. This method cooks both the chicken and rice to perfection by the time you’re ready to enjoy your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pan No Peek Chicken and Rice

How can I modify the No Peek chicken recipe for use with bone-in chicken thighs?

To use bone-in chicken thighs, increase the baking time to ensure the chicken cooks through. Marinate and arrange the thighs over the rice mixture, and bake covered at 375°F for about 60-75 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

What are the necessary steps to make No Peek chicken using Uncle Ben’s rice?

Prepare Uncle Ben’s rice according to package instructions, but reduce the water by a quarter cup to compensate for moisture from the chicken. Combine this rice with the rest of your ingredients, lay the chicken on top, and bake as directed in your No Peek chicken recipe.

Are there variations of the No Peek chicken recipe that include Rice-A-Roni?

Yes, you can use Rice-A-Roni in a No Peek chicken recipe. Prepare the Rice-A-Roni according to the instructions, layer it with the chicken, and follow your standard No Peek chicken cooking time of about 60 minutes covered at 350°F.

What ingredients are required for the Taste of Home version of No Peek chicken?

For the Taste of Home’s No Peek chicken recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, long-grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, water, and a packaged onion soup mix. These ingredients are mixed and baked together to create the dish.

How do I prepare Campbell’s No Peek chicken recipe?

To prepare Campbell’s No Peek chicken, place your chicken over a bed of rice in a baking dish. Mix cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water, then pour over the chicken. Sprinkle with an onion soup mix packet, cover with foil, and bake for 60-70 minutes at 350°F without peeking.