Why It’s Called “Forgotten” Chicken
This dish got its name because once it's in the oven, you can quite literally forget about it for over an hour. There's no stirring, flipping, or watching—just set it and walk away. When the timer goes off, dinner’s ready and perfectly cooked.
Why You’ll Love This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
✅ One-pan, no-mess cooking
✅ Dump-and-bake—no prep needed
✅ Perfect for meal prepping
✅ Kid-friendly and budget-friendly
✅ Creamy, comforting, and satisfying
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses just a few simple, inexpensive ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (NOT instant)
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1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
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1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
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1 envelope dry onion soup mix (like Lipton)
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1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Butter or nonstick spray, for greasing dish
Optional Add-ins:
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1 cup frozen peas, carrots, or corn
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Sprinkle of garlic or onion powder
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Shredded cheddar cheese (added in the last 10 minutes)
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Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix and Layer
In the baking dish, combine:
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Rice
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Cream of chicken soup
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Cream of mushroom soup
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Water or broth
Stir together until well combined.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Lay chicken breasts or thighs on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Bake and Forget It
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.
⏱️ No peeking! The steam needs to stay trapped to cook everything evenly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5 minutes before uncovering. Fluff the rice, slice the chicken, and serve hot.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
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The slow bake time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy.
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The rice absorbs all the creamy flavor from the soups and seasonings.
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Minimal cleanup = more time with your family or for yourself.
Tips for Success
✔️ Use regular long-grain rice, not quick or instant
✔️ Make sure your dish is tightly sealed with foil
✔️ Chicken thighs work better for extra juicy results
✔️ Add frozen vegetables for a one-dish meal
✔️ To boost flavor, use chicken broth instead of water
Variations to Try
๐ง Garlic Herb Version: Add garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary to the soup mix
๐ง Cheesy Version: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese before baking, or sprinkle on top at the end
๐ถ️ Tex-Mex Twist: Use cream of chicken + cream of celery, add diced green chilies, and top with cheddar
๐ฅ Veggie Boost: Stir in frozen peas, corn, or carrots before baking
What to Serve With Forgotten Chicken
Although it’s a complete meal in itself, here are a few simple sides that complement it:
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Steamed green beans or broccoli
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Fresh garden salad
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Garlic bread or dinner rolls
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Roasted or sautรฉed zucchini
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezer Tips
๐ง Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
๐ฅ Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
❄️ Freezer Meal: Assemble everything in a disposable foil pan, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. for 4 Servings)
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Calories: ~450
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Protein: 36g
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Carbs: 30g
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Fat: 20g
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Sodium: 800–1000mg (varies with soup brands)
Use low-sodium soups or broth to lighten the sodium load if needed.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
It’s not recommended unless you adjust the liquid and bake time. Brown rice takes longer and may not cook evenly.
What if I want to use bone-in chicken?
You can! Just increase the cooking time by 15–20 minutes and make sure internal temp hits 165°F.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is a nostalgic, creamy, and deeply satisfying dish that proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just one pan and five minutes of prep, you can deliver a delicious, fuss-free dinner to the table—one that the whole family will love.
So go ahead and forget it… and then remember how good it tastes when it’s time to eat. ๐
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