Whenever I need a no-fuss, comforting dinner that practically cooks itself, I make this forgotten chicken recipe. True to its name, I prep it, pop it in the oven, and forget about it until the smell of tender, flavorful chicken fills the kitchen. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal, and it always turns out perfectly juicy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and reliable this recipe is. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, I can have a full meal ready to go into the oven. It’s a true dump-and-bake dish—no stirring, flipping, or hovering. The chicken comes out tender, the rice is fluffy and flavorful, and cleanup is a breeze. It’s a great choice when I want something hearty without the hassle.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Long grain white rice (uncooked)
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Cream of chicken soup
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Cream of mushroom soup
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Water or chicken broth
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Onion soup mix
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: garlic powder, paprika, chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large bowl, I mix the uncooked rice, cream soups, and water or broth until combined.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and lay the chicken pieces on top.
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I sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and season with a little extra salt, pepper, and optional spices.
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I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake it for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
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I don’t peek or stir—just let it bake until everything is tender and cooked through.
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After baking, I let it rest for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice and serve.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 90 minutes to bake. It’s mostly hands-off, which makes it ideal for busy evenings or lazy weekends.
Variations
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I sometimes use cream of celery soup instead of mushroom for a milder flavor.
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For a cheesy twist, I stir in shredded cheddar after baking and let it melt into the rice.
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I’ve added sliced mushrooms or frozen peas to the rice mixture before baking for extra vegetables.
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For more seasoning, I add Italian herbs or swap the onion soup mix for a homemade blend.
Storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the oven or microwave until warmed through. If the rice dries out, I add a splash of broth or water to refresh it.
FAQs
Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?
Because once I put it in the oven, I don’t have to think about it again until it’s done. No stirring, no flipping—just bake and forget.
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but I increase the liquid slightly and bake for an extra 15–20 minutes to make sure the rice cooks through.
Do I need to cook the rice first?
Nope. I use raw rice—just mix it right into the dish with the soup and broth. It cooks perfectly in the oven.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I assemble everything a few hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. I bring it to room temperature before baking.
What’s the best cut of chicken for this?
I prefer boneless thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work well too. Just be sure not to overcook them.
Conclusion
Forgotten chicken is one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting, effortless, and family-friendly. With just a few ingredients and almost no work, I get a hearty dinner that everyone loves. Once I tried it, it became a permanent part of my recipe rotation.
Print
Forgotten Chicken Recipe: The Easiest Comfort Meal You’ll Ever Make
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Bake, Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
Forgotten Chicken is a creamy, comforting dump-and-bake casserole made with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a savory blend of soups and onion seasoning. With just 10 minutes of prep and no stirring or babysitting required, this hands-off oven meal is the easiest way to get a hearty dinner on the table. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a bowl, mix uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water or broth.
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Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
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Place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
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Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
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Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
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Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes—do not uncover or stir.
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Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff rice and serve.
Notes
- Use boneless thighs for a juicier result; breasts work well too.
- Substitute cream of celery soup for a lighter flavor.
- Stir in shredded cheddar after baking for a cheesy twist.
- Add sliced mushrooms or frozen peas before baking for extra veggies.
- Use Italian seasoning or a homemade onion blend for variety.
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