Forgotten Chicken – Easy Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you’re looking for a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing dinner that practically cooks itself, Forgotten Chicken is the answer. This old-school casserole dish earned its name because once you pop it in the oven, you can literally “forget” it until dinnertime. Made with tender chicken, creamy soup, and rice that cooks to perfection in the oven, it’s the ultimate comfort food with minimal prep.
Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a hungry family on a budget.
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy baked dish:
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9×13-inch baking dish – A deep casserole dish works best to hold all the liquid.
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Mixing bowl – Optional, for mixing soup and broth before pouring.
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Aluminum foil – To cover the dish and seal in moisture.
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Measuring cups – For rice, broth, and soup.
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Tongs or fork – For handling the raw chicken.
No fancy equipment required—just one dish and an oven!
💛 Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken
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Hands-off cooking: Mix, layer, cover, bake—and forget it for 1+ hours.
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Comfort food classic: Creamy, tender, and filling.
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Feeds a crowd: Great for families or guests.
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Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples.
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Customizable: Add your favorite herbs or swap soup flavors.
📝 Ingredients
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Here’s the classic version:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
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1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 cup chicken broth (or water)
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1 packet onion soup mix (such as Lipton)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: garlic powder, thyme, or parsley for added flavor
👨🍳 How to Make Forgotten Chicken
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare the dish: Spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
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Layer the rice: Pour uncooked rice evenly into the bottom of the dish.
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Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl (or directly in the dish), combine both cream soups and chicken broth. Pour this mixture over the rice.
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Add the chicken: Place raw chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if desired.
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Top with soup mix: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice.
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Cover tightly: Use aluminum foil to seal the dish completely.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not uncover while baking.
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Check doneness: Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temp of 165°F and the rice is tender. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better the next day!
Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze this dish after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
🍽 Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken proves that delicious doesn’t have to mean complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and five minutes of prep, this classic baked chicken and rice dish comes out creamy, savory, and totally satisfying. Perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends, it’s the kind of comfort food recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
