Description
This dish is called “Forgotten Chicken” because once you prep it and pop it in the oven, you can practically forget about it until dinner time! The magic happens as chicken breasts bake slowly over a bed of creamy rice, flavored with French onion and cream of chicken soups. It’s cozy, hearty, and a true family favorite — no fancy steps, just pure comfort food.
Ingredients For Amazing Forgotten Chicken
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use 2 chicken if preferred)
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1 packet dry onion soup mix (1 oz, like Lipton)
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2 ½ cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
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2 tbsp butter (optional, melted, for richer flavor)
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
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In the dish, mix together the uncooked rice, soups, and water/broth until well combined.
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Lay the chicken breasts evenly over the rice mixture.
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Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
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(Optional) Drizzle with melted butter for a richer finish.
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Cover the dish tightly with foil.
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Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes (check at 60 minutes — rice should be tender, chicken fully cooked).
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Remove foil, bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes to lightly brown the top.
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Let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Servings
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Makes 4 generous servings (1 chicken breast + rice per person).
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
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Calories: 480
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Protein: 35g
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Carbs: 50g
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Fat: 15g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 1100mg
(Values vary based on soup brand & broth used.)
Notes
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Long-grain white rice works best — avoid instant or minute rice, which can turn mushy.
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If using brown rice, increase baking time by 15–20 minutes and add ½ cup more liquid.
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For creamier rice, replace half of the water with milk.
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You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for juicier results.
Tips
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Don’t skip covering the dish with foil — it helps the rice cook evenly.
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For more flavor, season chicken with paprika, garlic powder, and pepper before adding soup mix.
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Double the recipe for meal prep — it reheats beautifully.
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Add frozen veggies (peas, carrots, green beans) directly into the rice mixture for a complete one-pan meal.
Benefits
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Effortless: Minimal prep, no stirring during baking.
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Family-friendly: Creamy, savory, and comforting.
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Balanced meal: Protein + carbs in one dish.
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Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable chicken.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Mix everything in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but thaw first for even cooking. Frozen may leave excess liquid, making rice mushy.
Q: How do I make this healthier?
A: Use low-sodium soups, broth instead of water, and swap in brown rice + chicken thighs for extra nutrition.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble the dish in the morning, cover, and refrigerate. Bake in the evening (add 5–10 minutes extra bake time if cold).