Comfort food at its finest! Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a creamy, savory casserole that practically makes itself. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and rich soups, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a hearty, all-in-one meal. It’s called “forgotten” because you pop it in the oven, let it bake, and practically forget it until it’s ready to serve.
Ingredients
- 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) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing
Optional Additions:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen vegetables (peas, carrots, or mixed)
- Extra diced chicken for more protein
Instructions
1- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
3- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice. Stir until fully blended.
4- Assemble Dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared pan. Place chicken breasts evenly on top.
5- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
6- Bake: Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, until chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
7- Optional Topping: During the last 10 minutes of baking, uncover the pan and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, melty finish.
8- Serve: Let the casserole stand 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy creamy, comforting chicken and rice straight from the pan.
Variation
- Veggie Boost: Add frozen vegetables directly to the rice mixture before baking for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix shredded cheese into the rice mixture for a gooey, cheesy version.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a bit of paprika or cayenne into the rice mixture for gentle heat.
- Leftover Friendly: Dice leftover cooked chicken and fold it into the mixture before baking.
Cooking Notes
- Covering the pan tightly is key to ensuring the rice cooks evenly and the chicken stays moist.
- Use instant rice for a faster, foolproof cooking time. Regular rice may require more liquid and longer baking.
- Letting the dish rest 5 minutes helps the rice absorb the remaining sauce and firms up the casserole for easier serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Ideal for meal prep: portion into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips
1- Even cooking: Make sure chicken breasts are similar in size to ensure uniform cooking.
2- Creamier rice: Stir in a splash of milk or cream before baking for an extra-rich texture.
3- Flavor boost: Add garlic powder or dried herbs to the rice mixture for a more aromatic casserole.
4- Avoid sticking: Grease the pan thoroughly or line with parchment paper if desired.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 – 1½ hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Thaw completely first to ensure even cooking, or increase baking time slightly.
2- Can I substitute regular rice?
You can, but add ½ cup more water and bake covered longer until rice is tender.
3- Can this be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
4- Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream soups and margarine/butter alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a true comfort food classic easy to prepare, creamy, and flavorful. With minimal effort, you get a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want a delicious, fuss-free meal.
