Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining ease, flavor, and satisfying comfort in one dish. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can set it in the oven and forget about it until dinner time. The creamy textures and rich flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds, making Forgotten Chicken and Rice a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare.
- Flavorful: The combination of cream soups and onion soup mix creates a rich taste that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Meal: Serve it as a comforting weeknight dinner or at potlucks; it’s sure to impress.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is loved by both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, you’ll want to gather some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and ensures great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: Perfect size for this one-pan meal; it allows even cooking of chicken and rice.
- Mixing bowl: Necessary for combining the cream soups, water, and rice thoroughly before baking.
- Aluminum foil: Keeps the chicken moist while baking by trapping steam inside the 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 Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice.
- Stir until everything is well blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking pan evenly.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix generously over the chicken breasts.
Step 4: Bake the Dish
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in while it bakes.
- Place in your preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
- If desired, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Top with shredded cheese for an extra layer of flavor as it melts into a gooey topping.
Step 6: Serve
- After baking, let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Scoop out portions directly from the pan for an easy serving style.
Enjoy your delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple and versatile. This dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Family Style
- Serve directly from the baking pan for a casual, family-style meal.
- Provide large spoons for guests to help themselves to the chicken and rice.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans for a nutritious boost.
- The crunch from fresh veggies complements the creamy texture of the dish.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach.
- The freshness of the greens enhances the meal’s flavors while adding a healthy touch.
With Bread Rolls
- Complement your chicken and rice with warm bread rolls.
- These rolls are great for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Garnished with Herbs
- Add fresh parsley or chives as a garnish before serving.
- This adds color and a burst of flavor to the dish.

How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice even better, consider these handy tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts for better flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add spices such as garlic powder or paprika to enhance the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Check the doneness of chicken at 1 hour; it may cook faster depending on your oven.
- Add Vegetables: Include frozen peas or carrots in the rice mixture for added nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers’ Option: Sprinkle cheese on top during the last few minutes for a delicious cheesy crust.
- Make Ahead: Prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate it. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Forgotten Chicken and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A crunchy delight that perfectly complements the creaminess of the chicken and rice.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A savory side that brings out earthy flavors, roasted until crispy.
- Coleslaw: This crunchy salad provides a tangy bite that balances out rich dishes like chicken and rice.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn cooked simply enhances your meal’s comfort food vibe.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can be an indulgent addition alongside this one-pan dish.
- Sautéed Zucchini: Lightly sautéed zucchini offers a fresh taste that pairs well with chicken.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying this hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Forgotten Chicken and Rice. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the baking pan can lead to sticking, making it hard to serve. Always grease your pan with butter for easy cleanup.
- Not measuring rice accurately: Using too much or too little rice can alter the dish’s texture. Make sure to measure your rice carefully for perfect results.
- Ignoring cooking times: Underbaking the chicken can leave it unsafe to eat. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Forgetting the foil cover: Baking uncovered can dry out your chicken and rice. Cover your dish tightly with foil for moist, tender results.
- Skipping optional toppings: Not adding cheese during the last few minutes misses a chance for extra flavor. Try sprinkling shredded cheese on top before finishing the bake for a delightful touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil, heating until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice.
Can I use frozen chicken for Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 15-30 minutes to the baking time.
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Minute rice is ideal for this dish as it cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well.
Can I customize Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots or even swap out soups for different flavors.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is an incredible weeknight meal that’s both easy and satisfying. With its creamy texture and customizable options, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for comfort food. Give it a try, and feel free to add your favorite ingredients!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Forget about complicated weeknight dinners with Forgotten Chicken and Rice, the ultimate comfort dish that combines ease, flavor, and satisfaction in one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy families or casual gatherings—you can prepare it with minimal effort and let the oven do the work. Creamy soups blend beautifully with tender chicken and rice to create a dish that’s both rich in flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or taking it to a potluck, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone asking for seconds. Discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a hearty meal that warms the soul.
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 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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 prepared baking pan, then add the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, until chicken is fully cooked.
- Optionally, uncover during the last 10 minutes to add shredded cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg