If you’re craving a super cozy, set-it-and-forget-it meal, Forgotten Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. This creamy baked chicken and rice casserole comes together in just one dish with almost no prep, relying on favorite pantry staples to work their magic in the oven. The result? Juicy chicken nestled in a rich, savory bed of fluffy rice, all topped with a golden, oniony layer that tugs at your heartstrings with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for yourself, or hosting friends on a chilly evening, Forgotten Chicken delivers that comfort food hug—without ever making things complicated.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Forgotten Chicken is carefully chosen for flavor, ease, and texture—no excess, just pure comfort. These essentials blend together beautifully, creating that luscious, bubbling casserole we all crave after a long day.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star—meaty and mild, they soak up all those wonderful flavors and come out super tender.
Uncooked Long-Grain White Rice: Be sure to use uncooked rice; it bakes right in the dish and gets infused with all the rich broth and soups.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy, savory depth and a velvety backdrop for the chicken and rice.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Lends earthiness and extra creaminess, making the casserole irresistibly silky.
Chicken Broth: The liquid gold that cooks the rice in the oven, delivering flavor while keeping everything juicy.
Dry Onion Soup Mix: The secret finishing touch for maximum savoriness and an irresistible, slightly crispy top.
Garlic Powder: A touch of garlicky warmth that rounds out the dish.
Black Pepper: Just enough to awaken all the flavors without overpowering.
Unsalted Butter (optional): For greasing the baking dish and a hint of richness—you can use non-stick spray instead if you want.

How to Make Forgotten Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—that way it’s nice and hot when it’s time for baking. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or a quick spritz of non-stick spray. This simple step makes clean-up a breeze and helps prevent sticking so you can serve perfect portions every time.

Step 2: Layer the Rice

Spread the uncooked long-grain white rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. No need to cook it beforehand! The rice will soak up every drop of flavor as it bakes, turning fluffy and tender right in the pan.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Whisk everything until smooth and then mix in the garlic powder and black pepper. This luxurious mixture is the heart of what makes Forgotten Chicken so rich and satisfying!

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the uncooked rice—it will filter down between the grains, helping them cook perfectly as it bakes. Next, nestle your chicken breasts on top of this creamy foundation. Try to give each breast its own little space so everything cooks evenly.

Step 5: Add the Flavor Boost

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This is what gives Forgotten Chicken its irresistible, golden, flavor-packed crust on top. That hint of oniony crunch is honestly pure magic.

Step 6: Cover Tightly and Bake

Seal the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Don’t skip this part: the tight cover is the secret that keeps all the steam and moisture in, letting you truly “forget” about the casserole until it’s done. Place it in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours. When the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, it’s ready!

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Forgotten Chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This quick pause lets everything finish setting and makes serving so much easier (plus you won’t burn your tongue on that first eager bite!).

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a bright, beautiful pop of color. If you love a little extra flavor, try adding sliced green onions or even a handful of crispy fried onions right before serving—the contrast is seriously delightful.

Side Dishes

Forgotten Chicken pairs gorgeously with steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a crisp garden salad. Something bright and green helps balance the creamy richness, while a simple side of buttered peas or carrots makes the whole meal feel extra homey.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy presentation. You can also top portions with a thin layer of shredded cheese and run them under the broiler for a minute or two—hello, melty goodness! Leftovers are amazing tucked into wraps or even scooped over baked potatoes for a whole new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Forgotten Chicken to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making leftovers just as irresistible as the first time around!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, simply portion cooled Forgotten Chicken into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months; just be sure to label and date your containers to stay organized.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Forgotten Chicken gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions loosely covered with a damp paper towel. Add a splash of broth if the rice seems dry, and give everything a good stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can swap in brown rice, but be aware it requires more liquid and a longer baking time. Keep an eye on the moisture level and be prepared to add a bit more broth as the dish cooks.

What makes Forgotten Chicken so easy?

All the ingredients go straight into the same baking dish with zero pre-cooking or fancy steps—just assemble, cover, and let your oven do the work. It’s a true “set it and forget it” meal with delicious rewards.

Can I add vegetables directly to the casserole?

Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or even spinach can be stirred into the rice layer for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure not to overload the dish so the rice still cooks evenly.

Is Forgotten Chicken gluten-free?

Yes—if you use gluten-free condensed soups and onion soup mix, this recipe is 100 percent gluten-free. Always double-check your ingredient labels, as some packaged soups or mixes may contain gluten.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The rice should be fluffy and tender, the chicken fully cooked (reaching 165°F in the thickest part), and the sauce bubbling. If you’re ever unsure, simply cut into a chicken breast and take a peek!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re brand new to casseroles or searching for a nostalgic, no-fuss dinner, Forgotten Chicken will win you over with its heartiness and simplicity. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again—give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen, too!

Forgotten Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Forgotten Chicken is a classic one-pan meal where chicken and rice bake together in a creamy sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Rice:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice

Sauce Mixture:

1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional for Greasing:

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the base: Spread uncooked rice evenly in the dish.
Mix the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Add garlic powder and black pepper.
Assemble the dish: Pour the soup mixture over the rice. Place chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with dry onion soup mix.
Bake: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the dish tightly covered while baking for best results.
For added flavor, consider incorporating sliced mushrooms or shredded cheese during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American