When it comes to cozy, no-fuss comfort food that practically cooks itself, Forgotten Chicken stands at the top of my list. This beloved casserole brings together tender chicken breasts and fluffy rice, unified in a creamy, savory sauce that’s full of nostalgic flavors. All you need to do is layer a few humble pantry staples, pop the dish in the oven, and—yes—forget about it until dinner time. It’s a recipe tailor-made for busy nights or lazy weekends, and it never fails to make the whole house smell amazing!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Forgotten Chicken is famous for its simplicity, and each ingredient truly earns its place in the casserole. From the juicy chicken to the rich soups and aromatic soup mix, every component plays a role in building those layers of flavor and texture you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless cuts keep this casserole lean and tender, absorbing the creamy sauce as they bake.
Long grain white rice: The ultimate pantry staple soaks up all the saucy goodness and gives the dish its hearty base.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds depth and savory notes for classic casserole flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: Brings extra creaminess and a touch of poultry flavor to the sauce.
Water: Ensures the rice cooks up perfectly fluffy in the oven and blends the soups into a pourable mixture.
Onion soup mix: The secret flavor booster, infusing the top of the dish with savory oniony goodness and irresistible aroma.
Butter (optional): Dotting the top with butter adds delicious richness and helps develop a golden finish.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste for balanced flavor (go easy since the soup mix is already salty).

How to Make Forgotten Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light coating of cooking spray or a quick rub with butter. This helps prevent any sticking and makes serving (and cleanup!) way easier.

Step 2: Layer the Rice

Spread your uncooked long grain white rice in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared dish. No need to rinse or par-cook—the rice will soak up all the savory moisture as it bakes, turning tender and perfectly cooked right in the pan.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth. This luscious sauce is the secret to both juicy chicken and fluffy rice, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.

Step 4: Pour Over the Rice

Gently pour the soup mixture evenly over the layer of rice. Give the pan a gentle shimmy to make sure the sauce seeps down through the grains, ensuring the rice cooks evenly and absorbs maximum flavor.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Arrange the chicken breasts right on top of the rice and creamy sauce. They don’t need to be pressed in—just nestled gently will do, as they’ll create their own pockets of juicy flavor as they bake.

Step 6: Sprinkle and Season

Sprinkle the entire envelope of onion soup mix evenly across the top. Scatter small dots of butter if you like a richer finish, then season lightly with salt and pepper. Remember, the soup mix brings plenty of saltiness already!

Step 7: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in moisture, helping the rice cook perfectly. Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—the magic happens behind that foil!

Step 8: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy

Remove your Forgotten Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld together. Then scoop generous portions onto plates and watch smiles appear around your table.

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley brightens up the cozy, creamy casserole and adds that pop of color we all love. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of paprika or a handful of shredded cheese (melted on top after baking) gives an extra boost of flavor and an inviting look.

Side Dishes

Forgotten Chicken plays so well with simple sides. Try serving it alongside steamed green beans, a crisp tossed salad, or roasted broccoli. If you’re feeding a crowd or want to soak up every drop of that creamy sauce, a slice of warm, crusty bread always hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle straight from the casserole dish for crowd-pleasing, family-style serving, or plate each portion with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and colorful veggies for an elevated touch. For a cozy potluck, scoop individual servings into ramekins for a fun, personal twist on the classic Forgotten Chicken experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Forgotten Chicken stores beautifully! Let any leftovers cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The rice and chicken soak up even more of that rich sauce overnight, making leftovers just as satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers with tight-fitting lids. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Forgotten Chicken gently in the microwave or a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F until warmed through, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This keeps everything moist and prevents the rice from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and rich flavor to Forgotten Chicken. Just be sure to trim excess fat and cook as directed.

Can Forgotten Chicken be made gluten-free?

Yes—simply choose gluten-free varieties of cream soups and onion soup mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this creamy casserole.

Will brown rice work instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer and may not soften enough within the standard baking time. If you want to try it, add extra water and increase the bake time, keeping an eye to ensure the rice is tender.

Can I assemble Forgotten Chicken ahead of time?

You can prep the entire casserole a few hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature while the oven preheats, or add a few extra minutes to the bake time if going straight from the fridge.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Try a dash of garlic powder or smoked paprika, or finish with shredded cheese after baking for added richness. You can also stir in some frozen peas or carrots along with the rice for extra color and veggies in your Forgotten Chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that basically cooks itself and tastes like a warm hug, Forgotten Chicken is the answer. It’s the ultimate dump-and-bake wonder—simple, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, don’t wait to add this cozy classic to your weeknight repertoire!

Forgotten Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Forgotten Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole dish that combines chicken, rice, and creamy soups for a hearty meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a fuss-free dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice Mixture:

1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup water
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer Rice: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish.
Mix Soups: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water until smooth. Pour over the rice.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture.
Season and Bake: Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top, dot with butter if desired, and season with salt and pepper. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

Notes

This dish is called “forgotten” because it requires minimal attention while cooking.
For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, paprika, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top after baking.
Works well with chicken thighs as a substitution.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American