Forgotten Chicken is an easy, comforting baked chicken and rice casserole made with tender chicken, creamy soups, onion soup mix, and long grain rice. Everything goes into one baking dish, gets covered tightly, and bakes slowly until the chicken is tender and the rice is perfectly cooked.
It is called “forgotten chicken” because once it goes into the oven, you simply leave it alone until it is done. No stirring, no checking, and no complicated steps.
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, not instant rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 oz
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 10.5 oz
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
Step 2: Mix the Rice Base
In the prepared baking dish, add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and black pepper.
Stir everything together until the rice is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts or thighs evenly on top of the rice mixture.
Try to spread the chicken pieces out so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken.
This adds savory flavor while the casserole bakes.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not remove the foil while baking, because the trapped steam helps cook the rice properly.
The dish is ready when the chicken is tender and fully cooked, and the rice is soft.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serve warm with vegetables, salad, or dinner rolls.
Troubleshooting Tips
Rice Not Fully Cooked?
Make sure the baking dish is sealed tightly with foil. The rice needs steam and moisture to cook properly.
Do not use instant rice or quick rice, as the texture will not be the same.
Chicken Turned Out Dry?
Chicken thighs are a great option because they stay juicier than chicken breasts.
If using chicken breasts, try not to overbake beyond the recommended time.
Want More Flavor?
Add a little garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce to the rice mixture before baking.
You can also replace part of the water with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven with a small splash of broth or water to keep the rice creamy.
Freezer
This casserole can be frozen after baking.
Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead
You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead of time and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
If baking straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Expert Tips
Keep the foil tightly sealed during baking. This is the secret to tender chicken and properly cooked rice.
For a golden top, remove the foil at the end and broil for 3–4 minutes.
Try cream of celery soup or cheddar cheese soup for a different flavor.
For a complete meal, serve Forgotten Chicken with steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken is a simple, hearty, and family-friendly dinner that requires very little effort. With creamy rice, savory onion flavor, and tender baked chicken, it is the kind of recipe that is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday meals.
