Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that truly defines the beauty of set-it-and-forget-it comfort food, the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is calling your name. In just a few minutes of prep, you get juicy, tender chicken, melt-in-your-mouth rice, and the kind of rich, creamy flavor only a classic bake can produce. This recipe works wonders on busy weeknights, feeds a crowd at potlucks, and is practically no-fuss. The best part? Everything mingles in the oven while you catch up on life, and what emerges is nothing short of homey magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The brilliance of the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is that it relies on a handful of humble ingredients, each playing a vital role. Creamy soups enrich the rice, chicken stays moist thanks to the baking method, and a sprinkle of seasoning ties everything together with seriously savory notes.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless pieces to keep things easy and ensure even cooking.
- Long Grain White Rice: This is the base that soaks up all the gorgeous flavors and becomes irresistibly fluffy.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes creaminess and that signature cozy depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthiness and extra body to the sauce—swap for cream of celery if you want a subtle twist.
- Chicken Broth: Helps the rice cook tender and infuses every bite with savory chicken flavor.
- Dry Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkled over the top, this blends in its signature herby, oniony punch.
- Garlic Powder: A little goes a long way to perk up the overall dish without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch to give a gentle peppery warmth.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A fresh sprinkle at the end that brightens and pretties up your finished bake.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C)—a steady temperature helps everything cook through evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a quick swipe of oil or a spritz of nonstick spray. This ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup blissfully easy and helping your portions come out neatly.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. The result should be a smooth, pale, and gloriously fragrant mixture. Stir in the uncooked rice and make sure it’s coated well—this base is where all those rich flavors start to marry.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the creamy rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, and spread it out evenly so every scoop cooks to perfection. Next, nestle the chicken breasts right on top. Give each one a little wiggle so it “sinks” into the rice bed, but no need to fully bury them—this is part of what makes the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe so hands-off and inviting.
Step 4: Add the Signature Topping
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken and rice, distributing it as evenly as you can. This packet is pure magic, delivering a punch of oniony, herby, and slightly tangy flavor to crown your bake. Don’t skip this step—the golden crust it helps create is a flavor bomb!
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake undisturbed for 1 hour and 30 minutes. No peeking! This is where the “forgotten” part comes in—just trust the process. If you like a slightly golden top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes so the flavors settle and the rice fluffs up. Top with chopped parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley does wonders—not just for color, but for a touch of bright, grassy flavor that cuts the rich casserole. If you’re in a pinch, a dusting of paprika or even chives brings a pretty pop to the table. No matter what, a fresh herb finish makes your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe feel restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
To turn this casserole into a full family meal, pair it with crisp green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette. The freshness and crunch balance the creamy, cozy vibes of the main dish beautifully. And for a little extra Southern comfort, a warm biscuit or slice of garlic bread is never out of place.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks, use a pretty baking dish and slice the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe into squares for easy serving. At home, try plating the chicken breast on a mound of the saucy rice for a restaurant-style look, garnished with a lemon wedge and a handful of microgreens. You can even portion leftovers into jars or lunchboxes for portable, envy-inducing lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Transfer cooled portions to an airtight container, and the flavors will mellow and deepen overnight, making every bowl just as dreamy the next day. For best results, store chicken and rice together, as the rice will continue to absorb any extra sauce.
Freezing
This casserole is a freezer-friendly superstar. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap, or divide into airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. For make-ahead convenience, freeze individual serving sizes so you can grab a meal anytime you crave cozy comfort.
Reheating
To reheat refrigerated portions, simply microwave in 1-2 minute bursts until steaming hot, or warm covered in the oven at 325°F for 15-20 minutes. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above. Splash in a spoonful of broth if the rice looks a bit dry—this brings your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe right back to life.
FAQs
What kind of rice works best for Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe?
Long grain white rice is the gold standard here, as it stays perfectly tender and doesn’t get mushy. Avoid instant or quick-cooking varieties, which can overcook and lose their texture. If you’d like to experiment, basmati is a good alternative, but stick to long grain for best results.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a little extra richness and stay juicy, even with the long cooking time. They’re a wonderful swap if you want a slightly heartier, more flavorful dish—just be sure they’re boneless for even cooking.
Is Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe gluten free?
With the right ingredients, yes! Be sure to choose certified gluten-free cream soups and chicken broth. Check the onion soup mix label, too, as some brands add wheat or gluten-based thickeners.
Can I prep the dish ahead of time?
Yes, Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is perfect for assembling in advance. Mix everything together, layer in your baking dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature while your oven preheats, then bake as directed.
How do I know if the chicken and rice are done?
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, the chicken should be fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F) and the rice tender and fluffy with no liquid remaining. If needed, bake for an extra 5-10 minutes. Letting it rest briefly afterward also helps the rice finish cooking to perfection.
Final Thoughts
Give this lovingly simple Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe a try, and let it earn a permanent place in your weeknight rotation. With easy ingredients and melt-in-your-mouth comfort, you’ll find yourself returning to it again and again. There’s nothing like the joy of uncovering a bubbling dish and gathering everyone around the table—so go ahead, let this casserole work its magic!
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting and easy one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, flavorful rice, and aromatic seasonings for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir in the uncooked rice.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake: for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if you’d like a slightly golden top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Notes:
- Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and flavor.
- You can substitute one of the cream soups for cream of celery or cream of mushroom with garlic.
- This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks since it’s assembled in one pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
