Peek Chicken Rice Casserole: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort

Pek Chicken Rice Casserole has become my go-to dish for busy weeknights. This one-dish meal is packed with flavor and is incredibly simple to prepare. With tender chicken breasts baked over a savory mixture of rice and creamy soups, this casserole is a true comfort food classic. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Peek Chicken Rice Casserole

There are countless reasons to adore this Chicken and Rice Casserole. First, it’s a one-pot chicken rice dish that minimizes cleanup. Second, it’s family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults. Third, it’s versatile; you can easily customize it by adding vegetables or spices. Fourth, it’s a quick chicken rice casserole recipe that only takes 55 minutes from start to finish. Fifth, it’s rich and creamy, satisfying your comfort food cravings. Lastly, it’s gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.

Ingredients for Pek Chicken Rice Casserole

Gather these items:

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 ounces each)
• 2 cups instant rice (or Minute rice)
• 1¾ cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Pek Chicken Rice Casserole Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In the prepared baking dish, combine the instant rice, reduced sodium chicken broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of celery soup, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir everything well and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, gently pressing them down so they touch the rice base for even cooking.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
5. Step 5: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Important: Do not lift the foil or peek during baking to maintain proper steaming and cooking.
6. Step 6: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to fully absorb moisture and the chicken to settle before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Pek Chicken Rice Casserole

Keep these in mind:

• This resting time allows the rice to fully absorb moisture and the chicken to settle before serving.
• For an added layer of flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water.
• If you prefer a cheesy twist, top the casserole with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Best Ways to Serve Pek Chicken Rice Casserole

Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Pair with a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
• For a twist, try a Chicken Rice Bake with added veggies.

How to Store and Reheat Pek Chicken Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This meal is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pek Chicken Rice Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Peek Chicken Rice Casserole?

The secret lies in not peeking during the cooking process! Keeping the foil tightly sealed helps to trap moisture, ensuring the chicken remains juicy and the rice fluffy.

Can I make Peek Chicken Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just allow extra time for baking if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Peek Chicken Rice Casserole?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you measure the ingredients accurately and do not lift the foil while baking. This will help maintain the right cooking environment.

Variations of Pek Chicken Rice Casserole You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

• Add chopped broccoli or bell peppers for a Chicken Rice Casserole with Vegetables.
• For a cheesy chicken rice bake, mix in some shredded cheese before baking.
• Try substituting quinoa for rice for a healthy twist on this classic dish.

For more tips on meal prepping, check out my meal prep guide. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or read my privacy policy for more information.

Peek Chicken Rice Casserole: 5 Simple Steps to Comfort

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This No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5–6 ounces each)
• 2 cups instant rice (or Minute rice)
• 1¾ cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or water)
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In the prepared baking dish, combine the instant rice, reduced sodium chicken broth (or water), condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of celery soup, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir everything well and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, gently pressing them down so they touch the rice base for even cooking.
4. In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
5. Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Important: Do not lift the foil or peek during baking to maintain proper steaming and cooking.
6. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes.

Notes

• This resting time allows the rice to fully absorb moisture and the chicken to settle before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg