Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forgotten chicken and rice is one of those timeless comfort food dishes that practically makes itself. With just a few pantry staples, you get tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce—all cooked together in the oven. The name “forgotten” comes from how little attention it needs: you mix everything, cover it, bake it, and let the oven do the rest. I once tried making this with chicken thighs instead of breasts, and they turned out extra juicy while still soaking up the creamy flavors. It’s the kind of recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you want something hearty with minimal effort. Simple, comforting, and satisfying, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Forgotten Chicken and Rice – A No-Fuss Comfort Classic
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic comfort food casserole made with tender chicken, creamy soup, and rice that bakes slowly in the oven until perfectly cooked — a true ‘set it and forget it’ meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter, sliced into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken, cream of celery, cream of mushroom, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Stir in uncooked rice until evenly coated, then pour mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture and sprinkle with dry onion soup mix.
- Dot the top with butter slices.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Do not use instant rice; only long-grain rice works for this recipe.
- Check halfway through cooking — if rice looks dry, add a splash of broth.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used, but chicken thighs also work beautifully.
Long-grain white rice – Bakes up fluffy and tender as it absorbs the creamy sauce.
Cream of chicken soup – Creates the creamy base and infuses flavor into the rice.
Cream of celery or mushroom soup – Adds depth and a subtle earthy note.
Chicken broth – Helps cook the rice evenly and adds savory richness.
Onion soup mix – The secret seasoning blend that gives this dish bold flavor with zero effort.
Butter – A few pats on top help the chicken stay moist and the rice develop richness.
Salt and black pepper – To taste, balancing the flavors.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery (or mushroom) soup, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended, then spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with the onion soup mix, then dot with small pats of butter.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 6 servings. Prep time is only 10 minutes, and baking requires about 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a hands-off meal perfect for busy nights.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave gently, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the rice moist. Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may slightly change texture when thawed.
Variations and Customizations
Use chicken thighs – Juicier than breasts and very forgiving when baked.
Cheesy version – Add shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the rice mixture for extra richness.
Vegetable boost – Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli before baking.
Spicy kick – Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the rice.
Mushroom lover’s twist – Use cream of mushroom soup and add sautéed mushrooms.
Herb flavor – Add dried thyme, rosemary, or parsley for extra aroma.
One-dish meal – Add canned green beans or corn so it’s complete on its own.
Brown rice substitution – Use brown rice, but increase broth and extend baking time.
FAQs
Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?
Because once you put it in the oven, you can forget about it until it’s done.
Can I use instant rice?
No, instant rice will overcook—stick to long-grain white rice.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
No, it cooks fully in the oven.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready.
Can I use homemade soup instead of canned?
Yes, just replace each can with about 1 ½ cups of homemade condensed soup.
How do I keep the rice from drying out?
Make sure the dish is tightly covered while baking so the steam cooks the rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two separate pans.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 5–6 hours or until the chicken and rice are tender.
What sides pair best with this dish?
A green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread make great accompaniments.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the texture of the creamy rice may soften slightly after thawing.
Conclusion
Forgotten chicken and rice is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food recipe. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory seasoning, it’s a hearty meal that practically cooks itself. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it requires just a handful of ingredients and delivers big on flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has remained a beloved classic for decades.
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