Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy rice in a deliciously simple one-pan meal. This nostalgic recipe got its name because you can literally “forget it” in the oven while it bakes to perfection. The combination of savory onion soup mix and creamy soups creates an irresistible flavor profile that has made this dish a family favorite for generations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just mix, layer, and bake – no complicated techniques required!
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that create a hearty, filling meal
• Customizable: Easily adaptable with different vegetables, cheese toppings, or protein options
• Family-Approved: A crowd-pleasing comfort food that even picky eaters tend to enjoy

Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can substitute with chicken thighs for even more flavor and moisture.
• Minute Rice: Use either white or brown Minute rice for best results. Regular long-grain rice won’t cook properly in this recipe as it requires different liquid ratios and cooking times.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides rich flavor and creamy texture. For a lighter version, look for the low-sodium or “healthy” version.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds depth of flavor and additional creaminess. Can be substituted with cream of celery for those who don’t enjoy mushrooms.
• Water: Helps cook the rice and create the perfect consistency. You can substitute with chicken broth for more flavor.
• Butter: Used to grease the baking dish and adds richness. Salted or unsalted both work well.
• Lipton Onion Soup Mix: The secret ingredient that gives this dish its distinctive savory flavor. Don’t skip this!
• Optional Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a delicious golden top and extra flavor. Medium or sharp cheddar works best.
• Optional Vegetables: Add frozen mixed vegetables for color, nutrition, and flavor. Peas, carrots, and corn all work wonderfully.

Variations

Cheesy Broccoli Version

Transform this dish into a complete meal by adding 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets to the rice mixture before baking. Top with a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses during the last 10 minutes for a delicious cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole.

Italian-Inspired Variation

Give this classic a Mediterranean twist by adding 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to the soup mixture. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with cream of tomato soup, and top with mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil after baking.

Southwest Style

Create a Tex-Mex version by adding a can of drained and rinsed black beans, 1 cup of corn, and 1 can of diced green chilies to the rice mixture. Season the chicken with taco seasoning instead of onion soup mix, and top with Mexican blend cheese and sliced avocado before serving.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Thoroughly grease a 9×13 baking dish with the tablespoon of butter, ensuring all sides and bottom are well coated. This prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness to the edges of the dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure proper cooking temperature.

Step 2: Create the Rice Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir until well blended and smooth. Add the Minute rice to this mixture and stir until all rice is coated evenly. If adding optional vegetables, fold them in gently at this stage. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture, spacing them evenly throughout the dish. Evenly sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken, covering each piece completely. The soup mix will infuse both the chicken and rice with flavor as it bakes.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil – this is crucial for trapping steam and properly cooking the rice. Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender. If adding cheese, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and return to the oven until melted and lightly golden.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Peek! Keep the foil tightly sealed during baking to trap moisture – this is essential for properly cooking the rice.
• Test for Doneness: Check that chicken has reached 165°F with a meat thermometer and rice is tender before removing from oven.
• Even Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly.
• Let It Rest: Don’t skip the 5-minute rest time after baking – this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle.
• Rice Consistency: If you prefer moister rice, add an extra ¼ cup of water to the mixture before baking.
• Make It Your Own: Don’t be afraid to add your favorite seasonings to the soup mixture – garlic powder, thyme, or paprika all work well.

How to Serve

Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice straight from the baking dish for a casual family meal, or plate individually for a more formal presentation. This comforting dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans make excellent accompaniments, adding color and nutritional balance.

For a complete meal experience, serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce. A side of cranberry sauce can add a sweet-tart element that complements the savory flavors beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Make Ahead

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is ideal for make-ahead meal planning. You can prepare the entire dish up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time since you’ll be starting with a cold dish.

For longer storage, prepare the rice mixture and store it separately from the seasoned raw chicken. Refrigerate both components for up to 2 days, then assemble and bake as directed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave or covered in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?

No, regular rice requires different cooking times and liquid ratios. Using regular rice would result in either undercooked rice or overcooked chicken. Stick with Minute rice (instant rice) for this recipe to ensure everything cooks properly together.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F at its thickest part. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a chicken breast – it should be completely white with clear juices, not pink.

Can I add frozen vegetables directly, or should I thaw them first?

You can add frozen vegetables directly to the rice mixture without thawing. They’ll cook perfectly during the baking process and maintain better texture than if pre-thawed.

Is there a substitute for the onion soup mix?

If you don’t have Lipton onion soup mix, you can create your own with 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley, and a pinch each of salt, pepper, and paprika. Alternatively, try ranch seasoning mix for a different but delicious flavor profile.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal but don’t have time for complicated cooking. With its minimal prep time and hands-off cooking method, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory seasonings creates a wholesome comfort food that will quickly become a regular request in your home. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover why it’s been a beloved family favorite for generations!

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