Forgotten Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Forgotten Chicken is a comforting, no-fuss casserole that practically cooks itself. This retro dish gets its name from the “set it and forget it” ease of preparation. With tender chicken breasts baked over a bed of flavorful rice and soup, it’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families or cozy Sunday dinners.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)long grain white rice (uncooked)cream of mushroom souppacket of dry onion soup mixcream of celery soupwaterbutter (optional for added richness)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the dish.

In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, and water until smooth.

Pour the soup mixture over the rice.

Place the chicken breasts on top of the soup and rice mixture.

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.

Dot with butter if desired.

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.

Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 1 hour 30 minutesResting time: 5 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.

Swap one of the soups for cream of chicken for a different taste.

Add mushrooms, peas, or broccoli for extra texture and nutrition.

Top with shredded cheese before baking for a creamy, cheesy finish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, or cover with foil and reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until hot.You can also freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Why is it called Forgotten Chicken?

Because you can assemble it, pop it in the oven, and forget about it while it bakes—perfect for busy days.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the baking time and possibly add more liquid to ensure the rice cooks fully.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

No, the chicken cooks fully in the oven and stays moist thanks to the soup mixture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook on low for 4–5 hours, but avoid lifting the lid to keep the rice texture right.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soups and soup mix to make a gluten-free version.

What if the rice isn’t done?

Ensure the dish is tightly covered and bake longer if needed. Oven temperatures may vary.

Can I add spices?

Yes, paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning are great options.

Should I stir the rice?

No, the layering helps cook the rice evenly and absorb flavors.

Can I prepare this ahead?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger pan and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken is a classic, hearty meal that’s as simple as it is satisfying. With minimal prep and comforting flavors, it’s ideal for feeding a family without the hassle. Once you try it, it just might become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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