Forgotten Chicken Recipe: 5 Ingredients You’ll Need

Forgotten Chicken Recipe: The Easy Dinner You’ll Actually Want to Make

You know those evenings when you’re drained, the clock says “dinnertime,” and your brain has absolutely no ideas left? That’s exactly when the forgotten chicken recipe earns its place in your kitchen. With only five main ingredients, one pan, and almost zero effort, you get a creamy, cozy chicken-and-rice bake that tastes like you spent all afternoon on it.

The beauty of this dish is how hands-off it is. You stir a few pantry staples together, nestle chicken on top, cover the pan, and slide it into the oven. Then you’re free to help with homework, answer emails, or simply sit down for a minute while the oven quietly does the work. By the time the timer goes off, your kitchen smells incredible and dinner is ready to serve.

If you enjoy building a reliable rotation of simple meals, you’ll also find tons of inspiration in broader chicken collections like this meat and seafood chicken recipes hub at here, where you can discover even more easy, family-friendly dinners to complement this dish.

What Is the Forgotten Chicken Recipe?

The forgotten chicken recipe is a classic baked chicken and rice casserole where the magic happens under a tight foil cover. You combine rice and condensed soup in a baking dish, lay chicken breasts on top, sprinkle on onion soup mix, cover everything, and “forget” it in the oven for about an hour and a half.

There’s no browning, no stirring, no juggling multiple pans. The steam trapped under the foil keeps the chicken juicy and helps the rice soak up every bit of flavor from the soups and seasonings. It’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward cooking.

You can also see a beloved version of this idea in the original comfort-food classic at here, which helped popularize this hands-off baked chicken and rice method for busy home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You only need a handful of budget-friendly ingredients.
• Prep takes about 5–10 minutes.
• Everything bakes together in a single dish.
• It works for picky eaters and busy schedules alike.

This isn’t the type of recipe you make once and forget; it’s the type you keep in your regular rotation because it just makes life easier.

The 5 Ingredients You’ll Need for Forgotten Chicken

To keep things as simple as possible, this version sticks to five key pantry and fridge staples that you can often keep on hand. Together, they create a creamy base, tender rice, and flavorful chicken without complicating your night.

1. Minute Rice (2 cups)

Minute rice is what makes this recipe so reliable. It’s parboiled, which means it cooks faster and more evenly than regular long-grain rice in a dish like this. While the pan bakes for a good long time, the rice doesn’t turn mushy; instead, it absorbs the liquid from the soups and water, becoming soft, fluffy, and full of flavor.

If you swap in regular uncooked rice without adjustments, you risk undercooked grains and throwing off the balance of liquid. For a stress-free experience, minute rice is the way to go.

2. Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can)

Cream of chicken soup gives this casserole its rich, comforting flavor and silky texture. It brings:

• Savory chicken depth
• A creamy consistency that clings to the rice
• Extra moisture that protects the chicken during the long bake

You can use regular or reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup, depending on your preferences. Because it’s condensed, it blends well with the rice and water to create a thick, flavorful sauce.

3. Cream of Celery (or Mushroom) Soup (1 can)

The original version often uses cream of celery soup alongside the cream of chicken. This extra can adds:

• A subtle, slightly sweet celery note
• A lighter, herbal edge that balances the richness
• More volume and creaminess for the sauce

If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom soup instead for a more earthy flavor. Either option works beautifully and keeps the base simple and consistent.

4. Water (1 soup can full)

After you empty your soup cans, you’ll fill one of them with water to use as your liquid. This:

• Thins the condensed soups just enough so they can coat the rice
• Ensures the rice has enough moisture to cook through
• Helps everything bubble and steam under the foil while baking

If you want to build even more flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of plain water, but water alone works perfectly for the classic version.

5. Onion Soup Mix (1 envelope)

That little packet of dry onion soup mix is your all-in-one seasoning. It usually includes dried onions, salt, and herbs, and it does a lot with almost no effort:

• It creates a savory, oniony crust on top of the chicken.
• It seasons the sauce and rice underneath as it hydrates.
• It delivers a strong, nostalgic “home-cooked” aroma while it bakes.

Sprinkling this mix over the top before you cover the pan is what gives the dish that signature flavor and golden, flavorful top layer.

Plus: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

The star of the show is, of course, the chicken. For this recipe you’ll use:

• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds total)

The chicken sits on top of the rice mixture, so as it cooks, the juices drip down into the rice. That self-basting effect keeps everything moist and ties the whole dish together into one creamy, cohesive casserole.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Full Step-by-Step Recipe

Now it’s time to turn those ingredients into a comforting dinner you can practically make on autopilot.

Recipe Description

This forgotten chicken recipe is a one-pan, no-fuss casserole made with minute rice, condensed soups, chicken breasts, and onion soup mix. You assemble it in about 5–10 minutes, cover it tightly, and let it bake for 90 minutes. The result: tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a savory onion topping with almost no work on your part.

Ingredients

• 2 cups minute rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom, if preferred)
• 1 can water (use an empty soup can to measure)
• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the dish
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, making sure to coat the bottom and corners so the rice doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the base in a bowl
   • In a medium mixing bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery (or mushroom) soup, one can of water, and the minute rice.
   • Stir until everything is fully combined and the rice is evenly coated with the soup mixture.
3. Transfer the mixture to the pan
   • Pour the rice and soup mixture into your greased baking dish.
   • Spread it out into an even layer with a spoon or spatula.
4. Place the chicken on top
   • Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
   • If some pieces are very large, you can trim or split them so they cook more evenly.
5. ** Sprinkle on the onion soup mix**
   • Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken and any exposed rice.
   • Try to cover the surface well so every bite picks up that savory flavor.
6. Cover tightly with foil
   • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing all the edges firmly.
   • This step is crucial; the trapped steam is what cooks the rice and keeps the chicken juicy.
7. Bake and “forget”
   • Place the covered dish in the oven.
   • Bake for about 90 minutes without lifting the foil or stirring.
8. Check doneness and rest the dish
   • After 90 minutes, carefully remove the foil, watching out for hot steam.
   • Check that the chicken is cooked through (no pink in the middle) and the rice has absorbed the liquid and turned tender.
   • Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving so it can settle slightly.

Timing Overview

• Preparation Time: 5–10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: approximately 1 hour 35–40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4–6

Tips to Make Your Forgotten Chicken Recipe Foolproof

Even with a simple recipe, a few smart moves can make the difference between “fine” and “fantastic.” Here are some ways to keep your forgotten chicken recipe consistently great.

Don’t Swap the Rice Lightly

Minute rice is part of what makes this recipe so reliable. If you decide to use regular long-grain rice:

• You’ll need more liquid.
• You’ll likely need extra time in the oven.

If you want a truly low-effort dinner, stick with minute rice so you can trust the timing and texture.

Respect the Foil

It’s tempting to peek when your kitchen starts to smell amazing, but lifting the foil early lets out steam and heat. That can leave you with:

• Undercooked rice
• Unevenly cooked chicken

If you want the “forget it” part to work, treat the foil like a sealed lid and leave it alone until the full baking time is up.

Arrange the Chicken Evenly

Try to keep the chicken breasts in a single layer with a little space between them. Overlapping too much can cause:

• Slower cooking in some areas
• Uneven texture

If you’re feeding more people, it’s better to use two pans than to crowd everything into one.

Simple Variations to Keep Things Interesting

Once you’ve got the basic forgotten chicken recipe down, you can easily tweak it to match your mood or the ingredients you already have.

Cheesy Forgotten Chicken

If your household loves cheese, you can:

• Stir 1 cup of shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or mozzarella into the rice and soup mixture before baking.
• Sprinkle another ½ cup on top during the last 10 minutes of baking, with the foil removed, to melt and brown slightly.

You’ll end up with a creamier, more indulgent casserole with a gooey top.

Veggie-Packed Version

Add extra color and nutrition by folding vegetables into the base:

• Stir 1–2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and corn) into the rice mixture.
• No need to thaw; they cook right along with the rice and chicken.

You get a more complete, one-pan meal without adding any extra steps.

Herb and Garlic Upgrade

For a little more “from scratch” personality:

• Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme or Italian seasoning to the rice mixture.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top after baking for a fresh finish.

This keeps the structure identical while lifting the flavors in a subtle but noticeable way.

What to Serve with Forgotten Chicken

This forgotten chicken recipe gives you protein and carbs in one dish, so you only need a light side or two to round out the plate.

Fresh and Simple Vegetable Sides

Great pairings include:

• Steamed green beans or broccoli with a squeeze of lemon
• A crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette
• Roasted carrots or asparagus for a bit of sweetness and texture

These sides balance the creaminess of the casserole with freshness and crunch.

Bread and Extras

If you like a little something extra on the table:

• Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the sauce
• Garlic toast for a bolder side
• A simple coleslaw for cool, crunchy contrast

You don’t need anything complicated—this dish shines with low-effort companions.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Your Forgotten Chicken

Another reason this forgotten chicken recipe is worth remembering is that it handles leftovers beautifully. You can easily stretch one pan into more than one meal.

How to Store Leftovers

• Let the casserole cool down until it’s just warm.
• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

You can store chicken and rice together or separate them if you prefer.

Can You Freeze Forgotten Chicken?

Yes, this recipe freezes well:

• Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers.
• Label and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

This is perfect if you like to stock your freezer with ready-to-go meals for busy weeks.

Best Ways to Reheat

To reheat without drying everything out:

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and warm at 325–350°F until heated through.
• Microwave: Add a spoonful of water, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals, stirring the rice occasionally so it heats evenly.

A little added moisture helps bring the sauce and rice back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Can you use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They tend to stay very juicy and forgiving, even if they cook a bit longer. Use roughly the same total weight and follow the same timing.

Why did your rice stay crunchy?

If your rice turned out under-cooked, it usually comes down to one of these:

• The foil wasn’t sealed tightly, so steam escaped.
• You peeked or opened the oven too soon.
• You used regular uncooked rice instead of minute rice without changing the liquid or time.

Next time, tighten the foil seal and make sure you’re using minute rice for this exact method.

Can you assemble this dish ahead of time?

You can. To make your evening smoother:

• Assemble the casserole completely in the baking dish.
• Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• When you’re ready to bake, put it into a preheated oven and add about 10–15 minutes to the cook time to account for the cold start.

Is there a way to lighten the recipe?

To make a lighter version, you can:

• Use reduced-fat or lighter condensed soups.
• Swap some of the soup for low-sodium broth while keeping the total liquid similar.
• Increase the vegetables in the rice layer and slightly reduce the amount of chicken.

You still keep the spirit of the recipe while making it feel a bit less heavy.

Why This Forgotten Chicken Recipe Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation

If your weeknights are hectic, this forgotten chicken recipe gives you something priceless: a dependable, low-effort meal that doesn’t taste like a shortcut. With five basic ingredients and minimal prep, you get a hot, comforting dinner that feels like a treat at the end of a long day.

You can keep it classic, or you can treat it as a base and branch out with cheese, vegetables, herbs, or different sides. When you’re browsing collections of chicken recipes looking for ideas, this is the one you’ll find yourself coming back to whenever you need something that just works.

Your Next Step: Make It Tonight and Explore More

Now it’s your turn to put this forgotten chicken recipe into action. Pull out a baking dish, grab your soups, rice, chicken, and onion mix, and give yourself permission to let the oven handle dinner while you focus on everything else.

Once you’ve tried it:

• Adjust it to your taste with veggies, cheese, or extra herbs.
• Save it alongside other favorite chicken recipes so you can find it fast when the day gets busy.
• Share it with family or friends who are always asking for “something easy but good” to make.

And when you’re ready to expand your weeknight lineup even more, exploring dedicated chicken recipe hubs and baked chicken favorites similar to this one will give you plenty of ideas that match the same no-fuss, full-flavor energy. This forgotten chicken recipe is just the starting point for a whole collection of simple, satisfying dinners you’ll actually look forward to cooking—and eating.