Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re after a cozy, one-pan wonder that practically cooks itself, Forgotten Chicken and Rice is about to become your new weeknight go-to. This throwback casserole is a marvel: tender chicken nestled into a bed of creamy, flavorful rice, all baked together until melt-in-your-mouth perfect. The best part? It’s as easy as mix, assemble, and forget—it bakes while you take care of everything else. This is nostalgic comfort food with tons of flavor, and there’s a reason families have cherished it for generations!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Forgotten Chicken and Rice so magical is its short list of pantry staples, each playing an important part. Don’t skip anything—each ingredient brings something delicious to the table, from creaminess and savoriness to a golden finish.

• Chicken (1 pound bone-in, skin-on breasts or thighs): Bone-in pieces stay juicy, and the skin crisps up beautifully as the dish bakes.
• Instant rice (2 cups, white or brown): Soaks up all the flavor and ensures perfectly tender grains without any fuss.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds rich flavor and creates a creamy base for the rice.
• Cream of mushroom soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Lends earthy depth and extra creaminess—don’t leave it out!
• Water (1 can, 10.5 ounces, measured in your empty soup can): The perfect amount to steam the rice and chicken together.
• Onion soup mix (1 envelope): The secret weapon that brings big, savory flavor with zero effort.
• Butter (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Ensures nothing sticks and gives your casserole edges a golden finish.
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, frozen vegetables, diced chicken: Amp up the flavor, sneak in veggies, or add extra protein to make it your own.

How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Get things started by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures a steady, gentle bake that keeps the chicken tender and lets the rice absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a 9 by 13-inch baking dish and give it a good rub with a tablespoon of butter. This step might seem simple, but it guarantees that your beautiful, golden rice won’t stick—and it adds a subtle richness to the edges of your casserole.

Step 3: Mix the Rice and Soups

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the rice is evenly coated. This blend is truly the heart of Forgotten Chicken and Rice, creating a luscious, savory base that keeps everything wonderfully moist.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula to create a level surface, ensuring that each bite will be consistent—creamy rice in every forkful!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Soup Mix

Arrange the chicken pieces skin-side up right on top of the rice. Evenly sprinkle the envelope of onion soup mix over the chicken and rice—this is where the magic happens! The soup mix will season the entire dish, caramelizing beautifully as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The forgotten aspect comes in here—just let it do its thing, and incredible aromas will fill your kitchen. The chicken skin should be perfectly crisp and golden, and the rice creamy but not soupy. Be sure the internal temperature of your chicken hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) before pulling it out.

Step 7: Add Cheese for the Finishing Touch

If you want an extra, melty layer, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over everything during the last 10 minutes of baking. Let it get gooey and golden—it’s a crowd-pleasing upgrade! Once baked, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to finish soaking up every last bit of flavor.

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Brighten up your casserole with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A dusting of black pepper or a splash of hot sauce can also be lovely for those who like a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

Since Forgotten Chicken and Rice is hearty on its own, pair it with something light and crunchy. A crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or roasted green beans are all excellent companions for this classic casserole, balancing rich flavors with a splash of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in ramekins for a charming dinner party twist, or serve family-style right from the baking dish—a big spoonful of steaming rice and golden chicken is the definition of comfort. You can even prep this recipe ahead and divide into meal-prep containers for cozy weekday lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Forgotten Chicken and Rice should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred into an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it a terrific option for easy reheated meals all week long.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream! Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers. For the best taste and texture, use within two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover a larger portion with foil and warm in a 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) oven until hot. If the rice seems a little dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for Forgotten Chicken and Rice?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work just fine—just keep in mind they may cook a little faster, so start checking for doneness after about 50 minutes. You’ll miss out on the crisp skin, but you’ll still get all the delicious flavor.

Can I add vegetables to Forgotten Chicken and Rice?

Yes! Toss in a handful of frozen peas, carrots, or green beans straight into the rice mixture before baking. It’s an easy way to add extra nutrition and color without complicating the dish.

What if I don’t have instant rice?

Regular rice won’t soften enough in the same cooking time, so instant is key for best results. If you only have regular rice, partially cook it first—otherwise the texture may be off.

Can I prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice in advance?

You sure can! Assemble the dish (minus the chicken and soup mix) and refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours. Add the chicken and proceed with baking when you’re ready—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the mixture will be cold.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten free?

To make Forgotten Chicken and Rice gluten free, use gluten-free cream soups and onion soup mix (these are available at most grocery stores). Double-check the labels on your instant rice, just to be safe!

Final Thoughts

Forgotten Chicken and Rice has everything you want on a busy night: comfort, simplicity, and an amazing aroma that makes everyone excited for dinner. There’s something magical about a recipe that’s easy enough to “forget,” but so memorable in flavor. Give it a try—this is one dish you’ll want to rediscover again and again!

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