👉ForgottenChicken – Recipes on a Budget

Forgotten Chicken and Rice: A Simple, Creamy Comfort Dish

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a wonderfully easy, no-fuss recipe perfect for busy days when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort. The combination of creamy soups, savory onion soup mix, and tender chicken breasts makes for a delicious one-pan meal. The best part? You can “set it and forget it,” leaving you free to go about your day while dinner cooks itself. Whether you’re feeding the whole family or prepping for leftovers, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your weekly meal rotation.

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
Diced chicken

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice. Stir until the mixture is well blended and the rice is evenly distributed.
Assemble Dish: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
Add Seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken breasts, making sure they are well-seasoned.
Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Optional Topping: For extra flavor, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken.
Serve: Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve straight from the baking dish for a creamy, comforting meal.

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work well in this dish. Just make sure to cook for the same time.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but brown rice may require a little extra cooking time. You might need to add an extra 15-20 minutes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish the night before and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix? You can substitute with a combination of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, and a little salt.
Can I add vegetables? Frozen mixed vegetables can be added right before baking. They add a nice texture and flavor.
Is it okay to use instant rice for this recipe? Yes, instant rice works best in this recipe because it cooks well in the time the chicken needs.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup with something else? You can use another cream-based soup like cream of celery or cream of chicken.
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use diced pork or even ground turkey as a substitute for chicken.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Do I need to brown the chicken before baking? No, the chicken will cook fully in the oven as long as it’s covered tightly.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook it on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
Can I make it spicy? Add some red pepper flakes, a little hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Do I need to stir the rice during cooking? No, there’s no need to stir. Just leave the mixture as it is in the pan.
What do I do if the rice isn’t fully cooked after the recommended baking time? If the rice isn’t tender, cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Can I add a crispy topping? For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top in the last 10 minutes of baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free? The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the onion soup mix and canned soups. Check labels for gluten-free alternatives.
Can I use leftover chicken? Yes, you can use leftover diced or shredded chicken. Just add it during the assembly step.
How long does it take to reheat leftovers? To reheat leftovers, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Can I use a different baking pan size? You can use a different size pan, but make sure the ingredients fit comfortably. Adjust cooking time if necessary.

20 Best Tips for Making Forgotten Chicken and Rice:

Use instant rice to cut down on cooking time and make the dish easier to prepare.
Grease your pan well to prevent the rice from sticking.
Double the recipe if you’re feeding a large crowd or want leftovers for later.
Add extra cheese for a creamy, gooey top that everyone will love.
Incorporate vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor.
Try adding some garlic powder to enhance the savory flavor of the soup mix.
Cover the pan tightly with foil to lock in moisture and ensure the chicken stays juicy.
Use a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Mix the rice and soups thoroughly to ensure even distribution and consistent cooking.
Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Layer the chicken breasts on top of the rice for even cooking.
For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture, but increase cooking time.
Add cooked bacon or sausage for an extra punch of flavor.
Sprinkle some herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for a fresh taste.
Switch the soups to suit your taste—try cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup.
Use frozen vegetables to save time—just add them frozen, no need to thaw.
Make it a one-pot meal by adding all ingredients directly to the pan.
Rest the dish for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Serve with a simple side salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.