Trust me, you’re going to love this one! This dish has all the comfort of a homemade meal with that “set it and forget it” ease. Imagine coming home after a busy day and opening your oven to find a warm, hearty dish that practically cooks itself. The chicken is tender, the rice perfectly fluffy, and everything is bathed in a cozy, savory sauce. It’s simple, yet packed with flavor—just the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Ready to discover the magic? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken and Rice
This recipe isn’t just about throwing a few ingredients together—it’s about creating a moment. Whether you’re looking for a meal to feed the whole family or need something that can be made in a pinch, this dish has you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight dinner or served up at your next gathering, this dish fits the occasion. The best part? You can have it on the table with minimal effort, so it’s ideal whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients—this dish uses simple pantry staples. Chicken and rice come together in a magical way, making it a go-to for anyone who wants delicious flavors without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: It’s as easy as tossing everything into a dish and letting the oven do the work. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still craves comfort food, this one’s for you.
Customizable: Want to spice things up? Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to give it a little kick. Or keep it simple with just salt and pepper for a more mellow flavor. It’s all about making it your own!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or culinary adventurers, this dish works for everyone. It’s always a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect choice for any family dinner.

Ingredients in Forgotten Chicken and Rice
This is the magic of Forgotten Chicken and Rice—using just a few simple pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that’s full of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for this dish. They soak up all the savory flavors and stay moist throughout the cooking process.
Long Grain White Rice: The rice is your base and, trust me, it turns out perfectly fluffy. It cooks right alongside the chicken, absorbing all the wonderful juices.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret to creating that luscious, creamy sauce that holds everything together. It gives the dish a cozy, comforting texture.
Chicken Broth: Essential for cooking the rice and giving the dish that savory depth of flavor. You’ll need just the right amount to ensure the rice turns out tender.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder make this dish flavorful without overwhelming the palate. You can always adjust to suit your taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making this dish that practically cooks itself:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the perfect texture.
Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine the rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir gently to make sure everything is well mixed.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper (and any additional spices you prefer). Nestle them into the rice mixture, skin side up, ensuring they’re partially submerged but not fully covered.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour. This step allows the chicken to cook through while the rice absorbs all those savory flavors.
Finishing Touches: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and golden.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is done, serve it up! The rice should be perfectly cooked, and the chicken will be deliciously tender.
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
This dish stands perfectly on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:
Fresh Salad: Pair it with a crisp, light salad to balance out the richness of the chicken and rice. A simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders!
Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy loaf of garlic bread is always a hit to soak up any leftover sauce.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli would complement this dish beautifully, adding a pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
Simple Green Beans: A side of sautéed or steamed green beans adds a fresh touch and brings a nice crunch to the meal.
Additional Tips
- Prep Ahead: You can assemble everything in advance and store it in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready!
- Substitute the Soup: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom, feel free to swap it out for cream of chicken or another creamy soup of your choice.
- Spice It Up: For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle in some paprika, cayenne, or even a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe freezes wonderfully. Make a double batch and freeze one for a busy weeknight.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily. Thighs are recommended for their juiciness!
Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A2: You can, but it will take longer to cook. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q3: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
A3: Absolutely! Combine everything in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, it freezes well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Q6: Can I use instant rice?
A6: While it’s possible, we recommend using regular long grain rice for the best texture and flavor.
Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Unfortunately, no. But you can try using a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup to make it more accommodating.
Q8: Can I use a different kind of soup?
A8: Of course! You can try cream of chicken or even a cream of celery soup for a different twist.
Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: You can use low-fat or reduced-sodium soup and broth. Adding extra vegetables is another great way to boost the nutrition.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, just be sure to use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra servings!
Conclusion
There you have it—Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a dish that’s both simple and full of flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or part of a family gathering, it’s sure to bring comfort and smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Let me know how it goes; I bet you’ll be adding it to your rotation.
PrintForgotten Chicken and Rice
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate no-fuss, comforting dish. It’s simple, creamy, and packed with flavor. Just toss everything into the pan, bake it, and let the oven work its magic! With tender chicken, savory rice, and creamy soups, this meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something easy yet satisfying. And the best part? You can make it your own with optional add-ins like shredded cheese or veggies!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1½ hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
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- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy chicken that cooks to perfection.
- 2 cups instant rice (white or brown) – Quick and easy rice that’s fluffy and delicious.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Adds creaminess and savory flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Complements the chicken with rich, earthy flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water – Use the empty soup can to measure for the perfect balance of liquid.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix – A flavorful seasoning mix that elevates the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing – To keep everything from sticking and add a little extra richness.
Optional Additions:
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- Shredded cheddar cheese – For a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Frozen vegetables – A great way to add color and nutrition.
- Diced chicken – If you prefer smaller, bite-sized chicken pieces.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice. Stir until well blended.
- Assemble Dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
- Add Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken breasts for that extra punch of flavor.
- Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Optional Topping: For added flavor, uncover the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Serve: Allow the dish to stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan.
Notes
- For extra veggies, feel free to add some frozen mixed vegetables before baking for added color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 15 minutes of baking.
- If you’re using diced chicken, reduce the baking time to about 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg