This 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken is the ultimate easy comfort food! Juicy chicken, creamy wild rice, and a no-fail cooking method—just don’t peek!
You ever have those nights where the idea of making dinner just feels exhausting? Like, you’re standing in your kitchen, staring into the fridge, hoping food will just magically make itself? That was me last week. I had a long day, I was this close to just grabbing takeout, but then I remembered this 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken recipe.
And honestly? It’s a lifesaver.
This dish is what I like to call a “throw it together and walk away” meal. There’s no chopping, no stirring, no checking—just mix, cover, and bake. And the best part? The rice comes out perfectly creamy, and the chicken is so tender it practically falls apart with a fork. It’s one of those no-fail, guaranteed-to-please dinners that I’ve made way more times than I can count.
I actually learned this recipe from my mom, who used to make it whenever she was too busy to deal with a complicated dinner (which, let’s be real, was often). The rule was simple: “Mix it, cover it, and whatever you do—don’t peek.” It sounded ridiculous at the time, but turns out, she was right. The magic happens under the foil, and if you lift it too soon, you mess up the whole process.
So, if you’re in the mood for a low-effort, high-reward meal, this one’s for you.
Why You’ll Love This 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken Recipe?
- It’s only 5 ingredients – No long grocery lists, no weird ingredients.
- Totally hands-off – You literally don’t touch it once it goes in the oven.
- Juicy, tender chicken – The steam traps in all the moisture.
- Creamy, flavorful rice – The soups make it rich and delicious.
- You cannot mess this up – Just don’t peek, and you’re golden.
Ingredient Notes:
This dish is all about simple ingredients that do all the work for you.
- Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Wild Rice – The mix of textures is perfect, and it soaks up all the flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – Adds a rich, earthy base.
- Cream of Celery Soup – Gives a light, herby depth.
- Water – Helps the rice cook through.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs – Breasts are leaner, but thighs stay extra juicy.
Pro Tip: Swap out the water for chicken broth for even more flavor!
How To Make 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken?
This is so easy, you’ll feel like you cheated your way to a home-cooked meal.
Step 1. Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
Step 2. Mix the Rice Base
Dump the rice, both soups, and water into the baking dish. Give it a good stir so everything’s combined.
Step 3. Add the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Step 4. Cover & Bake (No Peeking!)
Tightly seal the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 ½ hours. Do. Not. Peek. The steam inside is what makes the magic happen!
Step 5. Serve & Enjoy
Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before digging in. The rice will be creamy and flavorful, and the chicken will be fall-apart tender.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or Parmesan on top for extra flavor!
Storage Options:
If you somehow don’t eat it all in one sitting, here’s how to store it:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth to keep it from drying out.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to mix things up? Here are some easy tweaks:
- Use Chicken Thighs – They stay extra juicy and don’t dry out.
- Swap the Soups – Try cream of chicken or cheddar soup instead.
- Add Veggies – Mushrooms, peas, or spinach would be great.
- Make It Cheesy – Stir in shredded cheese before serving.
Pro Tip: Craving a little crunch? Sprinkle crispy fried onions or buttery crackers on top!
What to Serve with 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken?
This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round it out, try these:
- Roasted Green Beans – A simple, healthy side.
- Garlic Bread – Because more carbs = happiness.
- Steamed Broccoli – Adds a fresh, crunchy contrast.
- Simple Side Salad – Keeps things light and balanced.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why can’t I peek while it’s baking?
Because the steam is what makes the rice cook properly. If you let it escape, the dish won’t turn out right.
Can I use regular white rice?
Nope! Wild rice works best because it holds its texture and doesn’t turn mushy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yep! Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours—but no lifting the lid!
If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy, family-friendly meal, this 5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken is the answer. It’s cozy, foolproof, and basically cooks itself—what’s not to love?
So tell me—are you a rule-follower, or are you totally sneaking a peek halfway through? Let’s chat in the comments!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
5 Ingredient No Peek Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 6 oz. package Uncle Ben’s Long Grain Wild Rice (including seasoning packet)
- 1 10.25 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.25 oz. can cream of celery soup
- 1 ½ cans water use the empty soup can for measurement
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the wild rice (including seasoning packet), cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water. Stir until well incorporated.
Arrange the Chicken
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
Cover and Bake
- Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Important: Do not lift the foil or peek during baking, as the trapped steam is essential for the rice and chicken to cook properly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once the baking time is complete, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. The chicken should be tender, and the rice should be fully cooked and creamy.
Notes
- Use a gluten-free long-grain wild rice blend instead of Uncle Ben’s, as some pre-packaged versions contain gluten.
- Substitute gluten-free condensed soups for the cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups (brands like Pacific Foods or homemade versions work well).
- Ensure your seasoning mix is gluten-free if your rice package includes a seasoning packet.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
