Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan meal that you can whip up effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This dish is a delightful blend of creamy soups, tender chicken, and fluffy rice that cooks together in one baking pan. Its simplicity, rich flavor, and minimal cleanup make it a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: With just a few ingredients and one pan, you can have a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups creates a luscious sauce that elevates the chicken and rice.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household with its comforting flavors.
- Versatile Ingredient Options: You can easily swap out the rice or add vegetables to adapt this recipe to suit your family’s tastes.
- Leftover Friendly: This meal reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch or dinner the next day.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather all your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: The ideal size for this recipe allows for even cooking of the chicken and rice while providing enough space for all the ingredients.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the soups and rice evenly before pouring them into the baking pan.
Ingredients
Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
For the Rice Mixture
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.5 oz can water
For Flavoring
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice.
- Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
Step 3: Assemble Ingredients in Baking Pan
- Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking pan.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
Step 4: Season with Onion Soup Mix
- Evenly sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts for added flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
- For extra flavor, uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking, adding shredded cheese on top if desired.
Step 7: Serve
- Let stand for about 5 minutes after removing from oven.
- Serve directly from the pan for a cozy family dinner experience!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice can be a delightful experience for you and your guests. This dish is versatile, and there are several ways to enjoy it.
Family Style
- Serve the casserole straight from the baking pan for a rustic feel. This encourages sharing and makes for a cozy meal.
Individual Plates
- Scoop portions onto individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a touch of color.
With Fresh Salad
- Pair with a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette. The freshness complements the creamy texture of the dish.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy it as leftovers for lunch the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully, making it even tastier.
With Hot Sauce
- Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for those who like a kick. It enhances the flavor profile wonderfully.
With Bread Rolls
- Serve alongside warm bread rolls or garlic bread. They are perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.

How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Use quality chicken: Choose fresh, boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Experiment with rice: Try using brown rice for added nutrition or jasmine rice for enhanced aroma.
- Add veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or diced carrots to incorporate some colors and nutrients.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or garlic powder to elevate the taste.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit after baking helps all the flavors meld together nicely.
- Garnish before serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten up presentation and flavor just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Complementing Forgotten Chicken and Rice with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Green Beans – Sautéed green beans with garlic butter provide a crunchy contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until crispy, these add depth with their nutty flavor.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and creaminess that pairs well with chicken.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes – Smooth mashed potatoes offer comfort alongside the creamy casserole.
- Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the dish.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn is always a crowd-pleaser and adds sweetness to your meal.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes – Naturally sweet, they provide a healthy alternative that complements chicken well.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds texture and is rich in protein, making it a nutritious option.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Creating Forgotten Chicken and Rice can be very simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the butter: Not greasing the baking pan can lead to sticking. Always butter your pan for easy cleanup.
- Ignoring cooking times: Overcooking or undercooking chicken ruins the dish. Stick to the recommended baking time of 1 to 1.5 hours.
- Using cold chicken: Starting with cold chicken breasts can result in uneven cooking. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before adding them to the pan.
- Not covering tightly: Failing to cover the baking dish properly can cause moisture loss. Make sure your foil is pressed down securely before baking.
- Forgetting optional toppings: Cheese adds extra flavor and creaminess. Remember to uncover and sprinkle shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes if desired.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice that might help you:
What is Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a simple one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts baked with rice and creamy soups for a comforting dish.
How long does it take to cook Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
The total cooking time is around 90 minutes, including preparation.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen chicken can be used; just ensure it cooks thoroughly by increasing the baking time slightly.
What can I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices based on your preferences. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without much hassle. Give it a try!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is your go-to one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish with minimal effort. This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts baked with creamy soups and fluffy rice, creating a rich, savory flavor that delights the whole family. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish requires just one baking pan, making cleanup a breeze. The versatility of ingredients allows you to customize it to your taste, whether by adding vegetables or swapping out rice varieties. Serve it straight from the oven for a cozy family dinner experience.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute 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) water
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice. Stir until blended.
- Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking pan. Place the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours until chicken is cooked through.
- For added flavor, uncover during the last 10 minutes and top with shredded cheese if desired.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg