If you have ever stumbled upon a cozy, comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, then the Forgotten Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This incredibly simple yet surprisingly flavorful casserole combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups and fluffy rice, all baked together to create a dish that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking for that perfect dish to impress friends without fuss, this Forgotten Chicken Recipe has everything covered with minimal effort but maximum taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients for this dish couldn’t be easier, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy, savory, and satisfying experience that defines the Forgotten Chicken Recipe. From the tender chicken to the luscious soup bases and the comforting rice, these essentials form the heart of this homestyle classic.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose nice, thick breasts for juiciness and even cooking.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked: This rice will absorb hearty flavors while staying fluffy underneath the chicken.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds luscious creaminess and deep chicken flavor to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthy notes and richness, balancing the cream of chicken soup perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while infusing extra savory goodness.
- 1 packet onion soup mix: A secret little boost of flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that highlight all the other flavors beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): A touch of fresh green to lighten and brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and to make sure your casserole comes out effortlessly when baked. Getting your oven ready is the first step toward flavor magic in this one-dish meal.
Step 2: Layer the Rice
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This creates the perfect foundation for the dish, letting the rice slowly absorb all the wonderful flavors as it cooks underneath the chicken.
Step 3: Mix the Soup Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until you get a smooth, creamy mixture. This blend is what makes the Forgotten Chicken Recipe both comforting and rich, soaking into the rice and chicken beautifully.
Step 4: Add Half the Soup Mixture
Pour half of your soup mixture over the rice, spreading it evenly. This ensures that the rice gets properly hydrated and flavored from the start, setting you up for perfectly tender grains by the time the dish is done.
Step 5: Arrange and Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts over the rice layer carefully, then season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning helps the chicken shine through and balances the creamy sauce’s richness.
Step 6: Pour the Remaining Soup Mixture and Sprinkle Onion Mix
Pour the rest of the soup mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece is fully covered for maximum moisture and flavor. Finally, sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly on top—this adds that extra layer of flavor that’ll have people asking for seconds.
Step 7: Bake Covered and Finish
Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow baking time allows the chicken to cook gently and the rice to absorb all that wonderful sauce. To add a nice golden touch, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking for a slight browning on top.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the dish. This simple garnish brightens the earthy colors and freshens the dish’s look and flavor. Now you’re ready to enjoy a comforting plate of homemade goodness from the Forgotten Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish for the Forgotten Chicken Recipe because it adds vibrant color and a touch of herbaceous freshness. If you want to mix it up, a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese melted on top during those last uncovered minutes also makes the dish incredibly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad or steamed broccoli can balance out the meal and add a refreshing crunch. Roasted carrots or glazed green beans are other fantastic options that complement the savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to impress, consider serving the Forgotten Chicken Recipe in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes. It provides a lovely personalized touch and makes for easier portion control. Sprinkling a few toasted almonds or breadcrumbs on top can add delightful texture contrasts that surprise and delight your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Forgotten Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled properly ensures the creamy sauce stays luscious and the chicken tender when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too. Place cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing is a great way to save time on busy days without sacrificing comfort food quality.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before warming can help keep the rice from drying out, maintaining that creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this Forgotten Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly and add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks through fully.
Is it necessary to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups?
Using both creates a richer, more complex flavor profile, but you can substitute with your preferred cream soup if you like. Just keep the overall amount and the creamy consistency balanced.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can assemble everything the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add about 10 to 15 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything cooks thoroughly if baking straight from cold.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix—can I make a substitute?
Definitely. You can mix dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, and some herbs like thyme and parsley as a simple alternative that mimics the flavor of the onion soup mix.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It depends on the soup cans and soup mix you use; some cream soups and onion soup mixes contain gluten. Look for gluten-free labeled options to make this Forgotten Chicken Recipe safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Final Thoughts
The Forgotten Chicken Recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest meals become the most beloved family favorites. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with flavor without requiring complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Give it a try, and I promise this dish will earn a permanent spot on your dinner rotation—just like it did in mine!
Print
Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a bed of flavorful rice, all smothered in a creamy blend of soups and broth, seasoned with onion soup mix for an extra savory touch. Perfect for a hassle-free dinner that can be prepared ahead and baked to juicy, satisfying perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Spread Rice: Evenly spread the uncooked long-grain white rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, forming a base layer for the chicken.
- Mix Soups and Broth: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until you achieve a smooth and uniform sauce.
- Pour Half Sauce Over Rice: Pour half of the creamy soup mixture over the rice layer, spreading it evenly to ensure the rice is well coated and can absorb the flavors as it cooks.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly over the rice layer. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover Chicken with Remaining Sauce and Onion Soup Mix: Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully covered. Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix evenly over the top to add savory depth.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to become tender.
- Optional Browning: Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking if you prefer a slightly browned top for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use long-grain white rice for best texture; other rice types may require different cooking times or liquid amounts.
- For a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soup varieties and broth.
- Covering the dish tightly helps retain moisture, ensuring juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.
- Feel free to add vegetables like frozen peas or sliced mushrooms to the rice layer for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
