Get ready for the easiest, most delicious, and truly hands-off meal that lives up to its name: the Forgotten Chicken Recipe! This beloved casserole combines tender chicken breasts and fluffy rice in a rich, savory sauce, all infused with the classic flavors of onion soup mix. Baked to golden perfection in one dish, it’s the ultimate fuss-free dinner solution for busy weeknights, offering a complete, satisfying meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is an absolute lifesaver in my kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its unbeatable simplicity and incredible comfort factor! What I love most is how effortlessly it creates a wholesome, satisfying meal. The magic lies in the simple combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, which create an incredibly rich and creamy base that infuses the Minute Rice with amazing flavor while keeping the chicken breastswonderfully moist. Then, the Lipton Onion Soup Mix adds a deep, savory, and perfectly seasoned kick that makes the whole dish irresistible. It’s a true “dump, cover, and bake” recipe – just mix, assemble, and let the oven do all the work! It consistently delivers a warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying meal that’s a guaranteed hit with the whole family, and the best part is the easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Forgotten Chicken Recipe:
- 1 to 1.5 lb chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups Minute Rice (Instant Rice is perfect for this)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can water (use one of the empty soup cans to measure)
- 2 envelopes Lipton Onion Soup Mix (dry mix)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (optional, for richness)
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typical. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result, or bone-in pieces for more flavor (though cooking time might vary slightly).
- Minute Rice: This recipe is specifically designed for Minute Rice or instant rice due to its quick-cooking properties. Do NOT substitute with regular uncooked long-grain rice, as cooking times and liquid absorption will differ significantly.
- Cream of Soups: The combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups provides a creamy, savory base. You can use two cans of the same soup if preferred.
- Water: Using the soup can to measure the water ensures the correct liquid ratio for the Minute Rice. You can substitute with chicken broth for extra depth of flavor.
- Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This dry mix is crucial for the signature savory, oniony flavor of this casserole. Do not substitute with plain onion powder.
- Butter (Optional): A few pats of butter on top of the chicken before baking will add extra richness and help with browning.
- Optional Additions: You can stir in ½ cup of frozen peas or corn with the rice mixture for added vegetables, or sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Forgotten Chicken Recipe baking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Combine Rice Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 2 cups Minute Rice, and one can of water (measured using one of the empty soup cans). Mix everything well until the rice is evenly coated and the soups are well blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Arrange the 1 to 1.5 lb chicken breasts (seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, if desired) on top of the rice mixture.
- Add Onion Soup Mix: Evenly sprinkle the contents of 2 envelopes Lipton Onion Soup mixture over the chicken breasts. If using the optional 1 tablespoon butter, dot the butter over the chicken and rice mixture.
- Cover & Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This tight cover is crucial as it traps steam, allowing the Minute Rice to cook perfectly and the chicken to become tender and juicy. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C in the thickest part) and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
- Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and remove the foil (be cautious of escaping steam!). Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Use Minute Rice: This recipe relies on instant or Minute Rice. Regular rice will not cook properly in this timeframe and liquid ratio.
- Cover Tightly: Ensuring the dish is covered very tightly with foil is the secret to perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken in this casserole. It creates the necessary steaming environment.
- Don’t Peek: Resist the urge to lift the foil during baking, as this releases steam and can affect the cooking process and results.
- Chicken Doneness: While 1 hour is typical, always check the internal temperature of the chicken (165°F / 74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Serve Warm: This casserole is best enjoyed hot and fresh.
- Optional Browning: If you prefer a slightly browned top on the chicken after baking, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking, or even broil for 1-2 minutes (watch carefully!).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- A Simple Dinner Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of green beans, asparagus, or additional roasted broccoli for an extra vegetable boost.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing chicken and rice dishes, consider our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors deepen!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole will thicken considerably as it cools, and the rice will absorb more liquid.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results, reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 300-350°F (150-175°C) until bubbly and hot. You may want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to rehydrate the rice and loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy, comforting, and chicken-centric nature of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing chicken and cheese bites, our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are a must-try.
- And for an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
Final Thoughts
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a dish full of rich, creamy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your go-to “set it and forget it” comfort food meal? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
Leave a Reply