Forgotten Chicken and Rice: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

 Irresistible Forgotten Chicken and Rice: A Creamy, Comforting Classic

If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that practically cooks itself while filling your home with mouthwatering aromas—Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the answer. This creamy, oven-baked casserole is a timeless comfort food classic. It's called "forgotten" because once it’s in the oven, you truly can forget it—until the incredible smell reminds you that something delicious is on its way.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, this recipe combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and rich, savory flavor with minimal prep. With just a few pantry staples and no babysitting required, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place in countless family recipe boxes.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

One-pan wonder: Fewer dishes, more time to relax.

Set it and forget it: No need to stir, flip, or check constantly.

Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, hearty, and full of flavor.

Easily customizable: Add veggies, swap the soup, or top with cheese.

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🛒 Ingredients (Serves 8)

Here’s everything you need to create this easy, satisfying meal:

450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts

The protein star of the dish, these become ultra-tender while absorbing all the savory flavors of the creamy sauce.

2 cups instant rice (white or brown)

Cooks perfectly in the oven, absorbing the soup and water for a soft, flavorful base. Instant rice is key here—do not substitute with long-grain rice unless precooked.

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Adds creamy richness and deep chicken flavor to the base.

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

Brings a subtle earthiness and silky texture that balances the dish.

1 can (10.5 oz) water

Used to dilute the soups, helping the rice cook evenly while keeping everything moist.

1 envelope onion soup mix

The flavor bomb. Adds bold, savory onion flavor with herbs and seasoning to elevate the entire dish.

1 tablespoon butter

Used to grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a hint of richness.

(Optional) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sprinkle on top during the final 10 minutes for a melty, golden topping that takes the dish over the top.

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🍽️ Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat.

2. Grease the baking dish

Using 1 tablespoon of butter, thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and adds a little buttery flavor to the base.

3. Mix the rice and soups

In a large bowl, combine:

2 cups instant rice

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can water (use the empty soup can to measure)

Stir until the mixture is fully blended and smooth.

4. Assemble the dish

Pour the rice and soup mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, place the chicken breasts directly on top—nestled into the mixture but not fully submerged.

5. Add the onion soup mix

Sprinkle the entire envelope of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This creates a flavorful crust as it bakes.

6. Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. The chicken will be fully cooked, and the rice perfectly tender.

7. Optional cheesy finish

For extra indulgence, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake uncovered until melted and bubbly.

8. Rest and serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes serving cleaner and easier.

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💡 Pro Tips for the Best Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Use instant rice only: Regular rice won't cook properly in this method.

Don't skip the foil: Covering ensures the rice cooks evenly and the chicken stays moist.

Add vegetables: For a complete meal, mix in frozen peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli before baking.

Try chicken thighs: Want even more flavor? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts.

Double the recipe: This meal freezes and reheats like a dream—perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Pair this cozy casserole with:

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette for freshness

Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce

A glass of chilled white wine or iced tea for a balanced meal

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🥄 Why This Recipe Is So Loved

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the definition of a family favorite. It’s the kind of dish that gets scraped clean from the pan, with everyone asking for seconds. It’s budget-friendly, no-fuss, and delivers comforting flavor with virtually no effort. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or hungry teens, this recipe hits all the right notes.

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🔚 Final Thoughts: A Weeknight Wonder You’ll Crave Again and Again

When life gets busy, you don’t need complicated meals—you need dependable, delicious ones. This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple, satisfying, and stress-free, making it the ultimate go-to comfort dish. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you get a creamy, flavorful meal the whole family will love.

Ready to make dinner unforgettable? Try this recipe today—you'll wonder how you ever lived without it.

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📌 Pin it, share it, a

nd bookmark it—this is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Let us know in the comments how yours turned out, and don’t forget to add your favorite twists!

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