🍗 Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food casserole that lives up to its name—once you pop it in the oven, you can “forget” about it until it’s ready. With tender chicken breasts, creamy soup, fluffy seasoned rice, and savory spices, it’s an easy, hands-off dinner perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.
📝 Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked, not instant)
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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
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (optional, can use another cream of chicken)
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1 can (15 oz) chicken broth (or 1 ¾ cups)
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1 packet dry onion soup mix
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2 tbsp butter, melted
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🍴 Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Mix base: In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, cream soups, chicken broth, melted butter, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
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Spread mixture: Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Arrange chicken: Place chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
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Season: Sprinkle paprika and the dry onion soup mix evenly over chicken.
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Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes (check rice for doneness).
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Rest & Serve: Remove foil, let sit for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with parsley.
🥘 Notes
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Long-grain white rice works best. Do not use instant rice.
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Chicken thighs may be substituted for juicier results.
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For a creamier dish, add ½ cup sour cream before baking.
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If rice is still slightly undercooked, cover and bake an extra 15 minutes.
💡 Tips
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Use a deep casserole dish to prevent bubbling over.
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For extra flavor, sear chicken breasts in a skillet before placing on top.
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Add vegetables (peas, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli) for a one-pan meal.
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Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
👨👩👧 Servings
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Makes 4–6 servings.
📊 Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
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Calories: ~420
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Protein: 28g
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 16g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sodium: ~980mg
(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)
🌟 Benefits
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Effortless cooking: Oven does all the work.
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Comforting & hearty: Warm, filling casserole for the whole family.
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Balanced meal: Provides protein, carbs, and fats in one dish.
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Versatile: Easily customizable with veggies, spices, or different soups.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white?
A: Yes, but it will require longer baking (about 2 hours) and extra broth.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add 10–15 minutes extra baking time.
Q: Can I cook it in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Place everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Q: Can I freeze Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
A: Yes. Freeze after baking in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven covered with foil until hot.