No-Peek Chicken for Two

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

• ½ (6-ounce) package long-grain wild rice mix (about 3 ounces, seasoning packet included)
• ½ (10.25-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ (10.25-ounce) can cream of celery soup
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Diced green onions, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
2. In the baking dish, whisk together the rice mix (including seasoning packet), cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water until well combined.
3. Arrange chicken on top of the rice mixture and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Bake 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, keeping the dish covered the entire time, until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Do not peek during baking for best results.
7. Garnish with diced green onions before serving, if desired.

Tips

• For faster cooking, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and stir into the rice mixture before baking; reduce cooking time to about 45 minutes.
• Add vegetables such as peas and carrots, chopped broccoli, or baby spinach to make it a complete one-dish meal.
• Slow Cooker Option: Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for about 2½ hours.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• This casserole also freezes well. Once cooled, place in a labeled freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a small casserole dish at 350°F until heated through.

Substitutions

• Use cream of chicken soup in place of the mushroom or celery soup, or use one full can of a single flavor.
• Swap boxed long-grain & wild rice for Ready Rice (less expensive and easier to divide). Reduce water to 3 tablespoons and bake for 35 minutes.
• For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked or canned chicken with Ready Rice and reduce baking time to 25 minutes.
• Substitute another rice mix flavor or brand as desired.
• Plain white rice may be used, though the texture will be softer and creamier.

Equipment

• 8×8 casserole dish – perfect size for small-batch casseroles
  ⭐View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hlsiIAP
• Slow cooker – optional for hands-off cooking
  ⭐View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4inDY75
• Can opener – for soups
  ⭐View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/jj4tpNO

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

---

Budget Note: This pantry casserole cost about $4.00 for the entire dish, with just enough left over for lunch the next day — perfect for a cozy, budget-friendly meal for two.