When the sun sets a little earlier and the chilly evenings roll in, there’s one dish that feels like a warm embrace—Forgotten Chicken and Rice. This casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a nostalgic journey back to hearty family dinners and comforting gatherings. Imagine a creamy, savory blend where tender chicken meets fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich broth that makes every bite a cozy escape. Best of all? This recipe requires minimal prep time—under ten minutes!—and you’ll be free to enjoy the evening while it bakes to perfection in the oven.
Whether you’re navigating a busy weeknight or hosting friends for comfort food cravings, this casserole is your trusty sidekick. Versatile and budget-friendly, you can customize it to your heart’s desire—add veggies, sprinkle in some cheese, or swap out proteins based on what you have on hand. Get ready to indulge in a dish that not only fills your tummy but also warms your soul!
Why will you love Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Simplicity at Its Best: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
Creamy, Flavorful Comfort: The rich combination of soups and spices creates a heartwarming taste that evokes fond memories of family gatherings.
Versatile Customization: Personalize your dish by adding your favorite vegetables or cheeses for a unique twist on this classic casserole.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time! Assemble the casserole the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish appeals to everyone and is sure to leave them wanting more!
Warm up your dinner routine with this nostalgic favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Ingredients
• Get ready for a comforting dish that brings warmth to your table.
For the Casserole
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein source; substitute with chicken thighs for added flavor.
- Instant Rice (2 cups) – Essential for this recipe; regular rice won’t cook properly in the time allowed.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Adds creaminess; consider a cream of celery for a lighter option.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – Contributes to the savory depth; you can swap for cream of cheddar too.
- Water (1 can, from soup) – Important for cooking the rice; use the empty soup can for measurement.
- Onion Soup Mix (1 envelope) – Adds seasoning; make a quick DIY mix with dried minced onion, beef bouillon, and garlic if needed.
- Butter (1 tablespoon for greasing) – Prevents sticking during baking; don’t skip this for easy cleanup.
Optional Additions
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – Adds a cheesy topping; sprinkle it on in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (1–2 cups) – Boosts nutrition and flavor; mix in at the base layer before adding the chicken.
- Spices (black pepper, garlic powder, paprika) – Optional to enhance taste; sprinkle for an extra kick.
Embrace this Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole as your new go-to for cozy weeknight meals!
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This ensures the casserole slides out easily post-bake.
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Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice in a large bowl until everything is well combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of your casserole!
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. This layer will become the cozy base for your meal.
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Add any optional vegetables or cheese at this stage, if you’d like, ensuring they’re tucked under the chicken for optimal flavor.
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Place raw chicken breasts on top of the mixture; if they’re thick, consider butterflying them for more even cooking throughout.
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Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken to infuse it with seasoning and depth of flavor. Each bite will be bursting with taste!
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Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes without lifting the foil. This ensures moisture is locked in, keeping your rice fluffy.
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Uncover after an hour, check for doneness (aim for a temperature of 165°F/75°C) and optionally broil for 3–5 minutes for a golden top that adds a bit of texture.
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Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving; this helps firm it up for easier portioning.
Optional: Add fresh herbs like parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Imagine your home filled with the delicious aroma of this comforting casserole; it’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal.
- Side Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crunchy contrast to the rich creaminess of the casserole, brightening every bite.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the savory sauce, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted veggies like carrots and broccoli provide a colorful touch and promote healthiness, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: The snap of fresh green beans complements the creamy texture, adding an appealing crunch to your plate.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a double dose of comfort, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes; they’ll blend wonderfully with the casserole’s flavors.
- White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay elevates the meal, its acidity cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish’s savory elements.
Each of these pairings brings out the best in Forgotten Chicken and Rice, crafting a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Storage Tips for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. This will keep your Forgotten Chicken and Rice fresh and flavorful for your next meal.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole (without foil) for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–30 minutes, ensuring it’s piping hot all the way through.
- Covering: Always cover the dish with foil while reheating to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
Expert Tips for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
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Choose Instant Rice: Always use instant rice for the best results; regular rice won’t cook evenly in this casserole.
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Cover Tightly: Make sure to tightly cover the baking dish with foil to prevent the rice from drying out or ending up crunchy.
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Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking; this ensures better texture and makes serving easier.
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Prep Ahead: This Forgotten Chicken and Rice dish can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated, making weeknight dinners even easier.
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Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C); perfectly cooked chicken is essential for this dish.
Variations & Substitutions for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Feel free to get creative with this recipe—there’s a world of flavors waiting for you!
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Dairy-Free: Swap cream soups with coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives for a rich texture without the dairy.
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Cheesy Delight: Mix in mozzarella or pepper jack cheese towards the end of baking for an added cheesy layer that oozes comfort.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with hearty mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth to keep that savory depth.
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Seasonal Veggies: Add fresh vegetables like spinach in spring or sweet potatoes in autumn for nutrition and seasonal flair.
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Heat It Up: For a spicy twist, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to awaken your taste buds.
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Herbaceous Infusion: Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a fragrant uplift that brings fresh vibrancy to the dish.
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One-Pot Wonder: Skip the baking dish! Cook everything in a Dutch oven on the stovetop for a quicker, mess-free version.
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Flavor Boost: Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the soup mixture for an umami kick that deepens the overall flavor profile.
Let your culinary imagination soar as you adapt this dish to suit your family’s preferences!
Make Ahead Options
These Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can fully assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to refrigerate it (covered tightly with foil) until you’re ready to bake. Simply mix together the creamy soup and rice base, layer in your chicken and any optional veggies, and sprinkle on the onion soup mix; this helps infuse flavor even before it hits the oven. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven as directed, adding a few extra minutes if you bake it straight from the fridge. Rest assured, this dish will turn out just as delicious as if it were made fresh, saving you precious time on busy weeknights!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture in your Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole, I recommend using boneless skinless chicken breasts. However, if you’re after a richer taste, chicken thighs work beautifully too. They stay moist during cooking and add depth to the dish. If you want to save time, you can also use diced rotisserie chicken; just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store your leftover Forgotten Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before sealing it. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the unbaked casserole (without foil) for up to 3 months. Just ensure you label it with the date so you can enjoy it fresh later!
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Can I freeze the casserole? How do I do it?
Definitely! To freeze your Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole, assemble it as you normally would but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) directly from the refrigerator, and follow the same baking instructions as usual.
What should I do if the rice is crunchy after baking?
Oh no! If your rice turns out crunchy, it’s likely due to not enough moisture or the dish not being covered tightly enough while baking. To avoid this, always check that the casserole is sealed well with foil before placing it in the oven. If you encounter crunchy rice after baking, simply add a splash of water or broth, cover, and return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes to allow the rice to steam and soften.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Making your Forgotten Chicken and Rice vegetarian is simple. Just substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based protein like mushrooms or even chickpeas. You can also use vegetable cream soups instead of chicken and mushroom. Enhance it with seasonal vegetables for added nutrition and flavor—like spinach or bell peppers, and you’re good to go!
Is this recipe pet-friendly?
Very! While the ingredients are not harmful to pets, I don’t recommend sharing this dish with your furry friends due to the sodium in the soups. Instead, consider cooking plain, unseasoned chicken and rice for them as a treat.
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice in a large bowl until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add any optional vegetables or cheese, ensuring they’re tucked under the chicken.
- Place raw chicken breasts on top of the mixture; butterfly if thick.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes without lifting the foil.
- Uncover after an hour, check for doneness, and optionally broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
