Hidden Chicken
A hearty baked chicken and rice casserole with creamy mushroom, celery, and chicken soups, topped with onion soup mix for a comforting, savory family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter a large baking dish.
- Mix together rice, mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Pour into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the cut-up chicken with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken on top of the soup mixture.
- Sprinkle the package of onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover the dish with foil.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the cut-up chicken in your favorite spices or herbs before adding it to the dish. You can substitute the rice with quinoa for a gluten-free option, or use brown rice for a nuttier taste. If you want to enhance the creaminess, stir in some sour cream or Greek yogurt before baking. Also, feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Hidden Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. It pairs beautifully with the Captivating Chicken Casserole for a comforting meal spread. For a complete dinner, consider serving crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just reheat in the oven for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hidden Chicken contains roughly 705 calories, with 24g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value) and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2810mg per serving (122% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless chicken instead of cut-up chicken?
Yes, boneless chicken can be used in this recipe. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through; it may take a bit less time to bake. Just make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can create a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with a medley of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of water and replace the soups with cream of mushroom or a homemade dairy-free version for a hearty, plant-based alternative.
What can I do with leftover chicken from this recipe?
Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in a variety of dishes. Consider making chicken tacos or adding it to a salad. You can also mix it into pasta or rice dishes for a quick and easy meal. For a comforting option, use it to create a Chicken Noodle Dinner.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).