Tender, juicy chicken baked to perfection in a creamy, flavorful sauce—this easy Forgotten Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless prep: Just layer, cover, and bake.
- One-dish meal: Minimal cleanup with a full meal in a single pan.
- Comfort food: Rich, creamy, and satisfying with every bite.
- Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have.
- Family-approved: A hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- Nonstick cooking spray
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, spreading evenly.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the soup and rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add veggies: Mix in chopped mushrooms, carrots, or frozen peas for added nutrition and texture.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the soup mixture.
- Use thighs: Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Wild rice: Swap white rice for a wild rice blend for a nutty, earthy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Microwave on medium power in 1-minute increments until heated through, or bake at 325°F covered until warm.
FAQs
What is Forgotten Chicken?
Forgotten Chicken is a simple baked dish made with chicken, uncooked rice, creamy soups, and dry onion soup mix. It’s called “forgotten” because you can set it in the oven and forget about it until it’s ready.
Can I use instant rice?
No, instant rice will overcook and become mushy. Stick to uncooked long-grain white rice for best results.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time by 10–15 minutes to ensure the meat cooks through.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soups and onion mix.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before baking.
What can I serve with Forgotten Chicken?
This dish is a meal on its own, but a green salad or roasted vegetables pair nicely.
Can I substitute the soups?
Yes, cream of celery or cream of broccoli soups can be used in place of mushroom or chicken.
Why is my rice undercooked?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered during baking and that you used the correct rice and liquid amounts.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
It’s best baked, but you can try a slow cooker version using parboiled rice and adjusting the liquid ratio.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
Add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating to keep the dish moist.
Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken is a timeless casserole that brings warmth and convenience to any dinner table. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—especially on busy nights. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals ahead, this dish delivers comforting, homemade taste without the stress.
Print
Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A simple and nostalgic baked chicken dish that practically cooks itself. This ‘Forgotten Chicken’ is creamy, flavorful, and made with pantry staples—perfect comfort food for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, spreading evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not use instant rice as it will become mushy.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
- Check rice doneness before removing from oven; add a splash of water and cook longer if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American