This dish features juicy chicken breasts nestled on flavorful wild rice, layered with savory cream of mushroom and celery soups for extra moisture. A packet of onion soup mix adds a robust depth, while the foil-covered baking helps everything cook gently and evenly without peeking. All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a baking dish, cover tightly, and let the oven do the work—leaving you free until it’s time to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with plenty of leftovers for the next day. The finished result is fork-tender chicken and perfectly cooked wild rice.
This No-Peek Chicken recipe has become my go-to dinner on hectic weeknights because it is a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills the whole house with a cozy aroma. By combining wild rice and tender chicken in one dish you get an effortlessly hearty meal with barely any cleanup and almost guaranteed leftovers for the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Uses simple pantry staples for both the rice and the creamy sauce
Perfect for busy nights with only five minutes of hands-on prep
Makes enough for a family plus plenty of lunch leftovers
The recipe was a lifesaver the first time I made it after a long day at work and now my family asks for it every month especially in chilly weather when we want something hearty without much fuss
Ingredients
Chicken breasts: You want fresh or fully thawed boneless skinless chicken for even cooking Look for plump pieces that are all roughly the same size for best results
Uncle Bens Wild Rice with Herbs: This boxed mix infuses earthy herb flavor and texture into every bite Make sure the rice grains are intact and check the box for a recent production date
Cream of celery soup: Adds a mild savory flavor and creaminess Choose a canned version with a short ingredient list for a richer taste
Cream of mushroom soup: Delivers even more depth and smooth consistency For a special touch use a brand known for real mushroom pieces
Onion soup mix: Includes dried onions and savory spices that add bold flavor Use a fresh package with no clumping for even flavor distribution
Water: Loosens the soup mixture and keeps the chicken juicy Use cool filtered water if possible
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease your nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray This prevents sticking and adds a hint of flavor
Add Rice Base:
Sprinkle the wild rice evenly across the bottom of the pan including the seasonings from the boxed package Do not stir or rinse the rice as the raw rice will cook in the oven
Arrange Chicken:
Lay the thawed chicken breasts on top of the rice in a single layer with a bit of space between each so that the steam can circulate They should not overlap
Mix and Pour Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the cream of celery soup cream of mushroom soup onion soup mix and two scant cans of water Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until smooth Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice ensuring all pieces are covered
Cover and Bake:
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil You do not want any steam escaping Place on the upper rack in a preheated three hundred fifty degree oven and bake for two hours Do not lift the foil to check
Test and Serve:
After two hours remove the pan from the oven and carefully peel back the foil Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the chicken has reached at least one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Serve hot and enjoy
A bowl of chicken with rice.
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A bowl of chicken with rice. | lilicooks.com
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