Description
This comforting no-peek chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs baked with long-grain white rice, vegetables, and creamy mushroom and chicken soups in a single dish. With minimal prep and a hands-off baking method, it's an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray, as needed
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 (1-ounce package) onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano or thyme
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish thoroughly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Mix the rice base: In a large bowl, whisk together the uncooked rice, water, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, chopped red bell pepper, onion soup mix, and fresh oregano or thyme until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out flat. Sprinkle the chicken thighs with seasoned salt and arrange them evenly on top of the rice mixture, ensuring the thighs are spaced for even cooking.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The dish cooks slowly, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
- Check for doneness and serve: Using an instant-read thermometer, verify that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from oven, uncover carefully, and serve the comforting one-dish meal hot.
Notes
- Do not peek or uncover the dish during baking to ensure even cooking and moist results.
- Using skinless, boneless chicken thighs ensures tenderness and even cooking.
- Substituting water for chicken broth reduces sodium but you may add broth for extra flavor.
- Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme enhance the flavor but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
- The recipe yields 6 hearty servings, perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
