Amazing Forgotten Chicken

Description

Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a classic comfort-food casserole made with chicken, rice, condensed soup, and dry onion soup mix. The recipe gets its name from its simple preparation: you assemble everything in one baking dish, place it in the oven, and “forget” about it while it slowly cooks.

The result is tender chicken resting on a bed of creamy, flavorful rice. It’s an excellent family dinner because it requires very little hands-on work and uses inexpensive pantry ingredients. The recipe is widely known as a traditional American casserole and has many popular variations.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cooking method: Baking

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1½ cups water

Optional additions:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• ½ cup frozen peas
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredients adapted from commonly published versions of the recipe.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Add the rice

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.

3. Arrange the chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.

4. Prepare the sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Water

Mix until smooth.

5. Assemble the casserole

Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice.

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.

6. Cover and bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Important: Don’t remove the foil during cooking.

7. Rest and serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Long-grain rice produces the best texture.
• Chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts.
• Cream of mushroom soup can be substituted for cream of chicken soup.
• Brown rice requires additional cooking time and liquid.
• Similar-sized chicken pieces cook more evenly.

Tips

Use regular rice

Avoid instant rice unless you reduce the cooking time.

Keep the foil sealed

The trapped steam cooks the rice and keeps the chicken moist.

Add vegetables

Mix peas, corn, carrots, or bell peppers into the rice before baking.

Make it creamier

Add an extra can of condensed soup.

Check the temperature

Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

Values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Health Benefits

Good source of protein

Chicken provides protein that supports muscle growth and tissue repair.

Energy from carbohydrates

Rice supplies carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy.

Convenient one-pan meal

The recipe combines protein and carbohydrates in a single dish, making meal preparation easier.

Easily customizable

You can increase the nutritional value by adding vegetables or using brown rice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?

Because you simply place it in the oven and leave it alone until it’s ready.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Many cooks prefer thighs because they remain juicy during the long baking time.

Can I substitute cream of mushroom soup?

Absolutely. Cream of mushroom soup is one of the most common substitutions.

Can I prepare it in a slow cooker?

Yes. Cook it for 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve dinner.

How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken with:

• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Garden salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls