No Peek Chicken

No Peek Chicken is a wonderfully easy and incredibly tasty dish that practically cooks itself. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. Featuring rice, chicken, and a delectable mix of seasonings and broths, it’s baked covered, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it cooks—no peeking necessary!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of celery soup
• 1 package onion soup mix
• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Paprika and fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and onion soup mix. Stir until well mixed.
3. Assemble in Baking Dish: Pour the rice mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Sprinkle chicken lightly with paprika for added color and flavor.
4. Cover and Bake: Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Resist the urge to check on it—keep it covered the entire time!
5. Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This lets the rice absorb any remaining liquid. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve hot directly from the dish for a comforting meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, covered, stirring occasionally until hot.

Variations

• Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add a teaspoon of minced garlic to the rice mixture and substitute one soup can with cream of garlic soup for a richer garlic flavor.
• Mushroom Lover’s: Double the amount of cream of mushroom soup and add fresh sliced mushrooms to the top before baking.
• Spicy No Peek Chicken: Mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños into the rice mixture for a kick.

FAQ

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but increase the cooking liquid by 1/2 cup and extend the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
• Is it possible to make this with bone-in chicken? Absolutely, bone-in chicken will work just as well, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, adding carrots, peas, or bell peppers can add color and nutrition. Add them to the rice mixture before baking.

No Peek Chicken is a stellar choice for a low-maintenance yet delicious dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for plenty of customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Try it tonight, and enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies without the need for constant checking!