Description
Comfort meets convenience in this no-peek chicken casserole, a hearty dish that delivers rich flavors with minimal effort. Southern kitchens inspire this one-pan wonder, promising a delicious meal you can confidently serve to family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Liquid and Soup Base:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of celery soup
- 1.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Create a foundational layer in the baking dish by whisking together uncooked rice, creamy chicken soup, velvety celery soup, and rich chicken broth until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
- Select plump chicken breasts and generously season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Gently nestle the seasoned chicken pieces atop the rice mixture, allowing them to rest comfortably without disturbing the underlying layer.
- Liberally dust the entire surface with onion soup mix, creating a flavor-packed blanket that will infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Shield the casserole completely with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal that locks in moisture and prevents any steam from escaping during the cooking process.
- Transfer the covered dish to a preheated oven set at 350°F (175°C), allowing the ingredients to slowly transform and meld together over 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the foil and let the casserole rest for a few moments, allowing the flavors to settle and the dish to stabilize.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and additional aromatic freshness before serving the warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- Swap white rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add a nutty, wholesome flavor to the casserole.
- Use low-sodium cream soups and broth to control salt intake for health-conscious diners.
- Create a gluten-free version by selecting gluten-free cream soups and ensuring the onion soup mix is certified gluten-free.
- Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme or rosemary to customize the dish’s aromatic profile and elevate its taste complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg