Forgotten Chicken and Rice – The Easiest Comfort Food You’ll Ever Make
When life gets busy, and dinner feels like an afterthought, there’s one dish that always comes to the rescue: Forgotten Chicken and Rice. True to its name, this simple yet satisfying casserole practically cooks itself. Just mix, layer, and bake—then “forget” about it while the oven does all the work.
Creamy, savory, and loaded with comforting flavors, this timeless recipe is a go-to for families, potlucks, and make-ahead meals. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s no wonder this dish has been passed down for generations.
Why It’s Called Forgotten Chicken
The name “Forgotten Chicken” comes from its set-it-and-forget-it nature. There’s no sautéing, no pre-cooking, and no complicated steps. Simply layer the ingredients in a baking dish, cover tightly, and pop it into the oven. It slowly bakes into a bubbly, creamy, perfectly tender chicken and rice casserole—without you needing to babysit it.
This makes it ideal for:
- Busy weeknights
- Lazy Sundays
- Potlucks or family gatherings
- Meal prep for the week ahead
Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
You’ll only need a handful of pantry staples to create this warm and filling casserole:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of water (use the empty soup can)
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, mix together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Water
- Instant rice
Stir until fully combined. Season with a bit of salt and pepper if desired.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Nestle the raw chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. This adds incredible flavor and a delicious savory crust to the chicken as it bakes.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap in the moisture.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Optional: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once done, let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
Serve hot with a side of steamed veggies, a green salad, or buttery dinner rolls.
Tips for Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
✅ Use Instant Rice
This recipe is designed for instant (quick-cook) rice. Regular long-grain rice won’t cook properly and will remain hard. If using brown instant rice, you may need to add 5–10 minutes to the cooking time.
✅ Chicken Options
You can use:
- Whole chicken breasts for a more classic presentation
- Cut-up chicken pieces for quicker cooking and more sauce coverage
- Boneless thighs for extra tenderness and flavor
✅ Make it Creamier
Add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture for a richer, creamier texture.
✅ Add Veggies
Mix in frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans for a one-dish meal.
Forgotten Chicken Variations
Want to give this dish your own twist? Try these delicious variations:
- Cheesy Forgotten Chicken – Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar into the rice mixture before baking.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat.
- Garlic & Herb – Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the soup mixture for extra depth.
- Mexican Style – Replace one soup with a can of Rotel tomatoes and add taco seasoning.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze individual portions or the entire dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F covered with foil, or microwave individual servings with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Why Everyone Loves Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- No-fuss, one-pan meal
- Prep time under 10 minutes
- Family-friendly flavors
- Budget-conscious ingredients
- Easily customizable
- Comfort food at its finest
This is the kind of recipe you’ll make once and then crave again and again. It’s no wonder many families have enjoyed this meal for decades—it’s timeless, reliable, and always hits the spot.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic green beans or roasted asparagus
- Buttery corn on the cob
- Crisp romaine salad with vinaigrette
- Warm biscuits or dinner rolls
If you’re looking for an effortless dinner that still delivers big flavor, Forgotten Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need. It’s the ultimate definition of set-it-and-forget-it comfort food, and once you try it, you’ll never forget how good it is.