Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken Recipe
This recipe shines for how simple and hands-off it is. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and basic prep, you get tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice soaked in savory broth, and rich flavor from onion soup seasoning. It’s ideal for busy weeknights and picky eaters alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts, boneless/skinless
Minute Rice (brown or white)
cream of chicken soup
cream of mushroom soup
water (use one of the soup cans)
butter (for greasing)
Lipton onion soup mix
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
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In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, one can of water, and the rice until well combined.
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Pour this mixture into the prepared pan.
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Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
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Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
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Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake for about 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 8 servings.
Prep time: approximately 10 minutes
Cook time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
Cheesy Top: During the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole for a melty finish.
Rice Swap: If you don’t have Minute Rice, use regular long-grain rice but add about one extra can’s worth of water and increase the baking time.
Soup Substitutes: Swap cream of mushroom or chicken with cream of celery for a slightly different flavor profile.
Chicken Thighs: Use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts; adjust cook time if needed.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven until warm.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F oven until hot throughout.
FAQs
How did this dish get its name?
It’s called “Forgotten Chicken” because once you cover it and put it in the oven, you don’t need to check or stir — you can simply forget about it until it’s done.
Can I use fresh herbs or spices?
Yes! Add herbs like thyme or parsley to the rice mixture for extra aroma and flavor.
Is Minute Rice necessary?
Minute Rice cooks fast and works well, but regular rice can be used with more liquid and extra baking time.
Can I add vegetables?
Frozen peas, carrots, or mixed veggies can be stirred into the rice mixture before baking.
What temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) internally to be safe to eat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes — chicken thighs work well and may stay even more tender.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Some cooks adapt the recipe to a slow cooker, adding rice, soups, water, and chicken, and cooking on low for several hours.
How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Cover tightly so steam cooks the rice gently. Don’t lift the foil during baking.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soups and gluten-free onion soup mix to adapt the recipe.
What sides go well with Forgotten Chicken?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables balance the creamy casserole for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken is a truly easy, comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy nights or feeding a crowd. With its minimal prep and delicious, tender results, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your dinner rotation.
