Forgotten Chicken and Rice

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Few recipes live up to their name quite like Forgotten Chicken and Rice. This classic oven-baked casserole is designed to be assembled in minutes, placed in the oven, and left undisturbed until dinner is ready. No stirring, no checking, and no complicated steps. The result is tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy, savory sauce that feels both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

This dish has earned its place as a staple in home kitchens because it relies on affordable pantry ingredients, delivers consistent results, and feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Whether you are a busy parent, a beginner cook, or simply craving old-fashioned comfort food, this casserole offers a reliable, hearty meal that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you truly can forget about it
• Budget-friendly ingredients: Made with pantry staples and inexpensive chicken
• Comfort food classic: Creamy, savory, and filling
• Family-approved: Mild flavors that appeal to all ages
• Great for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully

Ingredients Breakdown

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this casserole foolproof and flavorful:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks gently in the creamy mixture, staying moist and tender.
• Instant rice: Essential for even cooking without stirring. Regular long-grain rice will not cook properly in this recipe.
• Cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and reinforces the chicken flavor.
• Cream of mushroom soup: Brings depth, umami, and a smooth, velvety texture.
• Water: Activates the rice and ensures the casserole doesn’t dry out.
• Onion soup mix: The key seasoning component, adding savory onion flavor and salt.
• Butter: Used to grease the dish and prevent sticking while adding subtle richness.

Optional Additions Explained

• Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds richness and a slightly sharper flavor.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: Boosts nutrition and turns the dish into a complete one-pan meal.
• Extra cooked chicken: Stretches the recipe further, making it ideal for large families.
• Extra spices: Black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika add warmth without overpowering the dish.

Tips and Tricks

• Do not lift the foil while baking: Steam is essential for cooking the rice properly.
• Butterfly thick chicken breasts: Ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
• Use instant rice only: This recipe relies on quick-cooking rice for proper texture.
• Let it rest before serving: Helps the casserole set and improves consistency.
• Season lightly at first: Onion soup mix already contains salt.

Variations and Customizations

1. Cheesy Chicken and Rice
   Stir in cheddar cheese or sprinkle it on top during the final 10 minutes of baking.
2. Vegetable-Loaded Version
   Add frozen peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli to increase fiber and color.
3. Creamier Texture
   Replace half of the water with milk or chicken broth.
4. Herb-Enhanced Flavor
   Add dried thyme, parsley, or poultry seasoning for a more aromatic dish.
5. Protein Swap
   Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer, juicier result.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy texture.
• Pair with steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a classic comfort meal.
• Add warm dinner rolls or biscuits to soak up the sauce.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Popular Questions

Why is my rice undercooked?
This usually happens if the foil was lifted during baking or if non-instant rice was used.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I make it without mushroom soup?
Yes, substitute with another can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup.

Caroline

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort-food casserole made with tender chicken, creamy soups, and perfectly cooked rice. Just assemble, cover, and let the oven do the work.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 can water (10.5 oz)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional)

Equipment

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• large mixing bowl
• spoon or spatula
• aluminum foil
• oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Stir in optional vegetables or cheese if using.
4. Lay chicken breasts evenly over the rice mixture. Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
5. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes without uncovering.
6. Remove from oven and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Optional: Broil uncovered for 3–5 minutes for a lightly golden top.

Notes

This dish is best baked fully covered to ensure tender rice. Lightly spraying the underside of the foil helps prevent sticking. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers even better the next day.

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