If you’ve ever stumbled upon a comforting, no-fuss casserole that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s one of those timeless dishes that manages to sneak in under the radar, yet delivers every single time with creamy, savory goodness, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice soaking up all those wonderful flavors. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a trustworthy classic, this recipe strikes that magical balance of being easy to prepare while tasting like you spent hours on it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
No need to hunt for exotic items here, the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe prides itself on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create incredible taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a star role: from the rich cream soups to the subtle crunch of dry rice, every component adds layers of flavor and comfort.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these are the centerpiece protein that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown): Quick-cooking rice that absorbs all the scrumptious juices during baking.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds a velvety, savory base that instantly elevates the dish’s richness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and depth, mellowing the flavors perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water: Used to blend with the soups, helping the rice cook inside the liquid without drying out.
- 1 tbsp butter: For greasing and adding a slight buttery aroma to the dish.
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix: A secret weapon that seasons the chicken with a punch of savory onion and herbs.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F, the perfect temperature for a slow and even bake. While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. This ensures your casserole won’t stick and adds a touch of richness to the edges.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Rice Base
Grab a medium mixing bowl and stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Once smooth, fold in the Minute rice until everything is blended into a creamy mixture that will soak into every bite as it cooks.
Step 3: Assembly Time
Pour the rice mixture evenly into your greased pan. Lay the chicken breasts neatly on top—this method allows the chicken to stay juicy, slowly cooking in the creamy bath beneath.
Step 4: Season and Cover
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add an irresistible savory punch. Then cover the whole casserole tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steaming effect as it bakes, keeping everything moist.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfect
Pop your covered dish into the oven and bake for one to one and a half hours. Check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked through—the rice will be fluffy, and the flavors melded into a dreamy, hearty casserole.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Finish
If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking, uncovering the dish so the cheese melts and browns into a gooey, golden crust. Totally worth it!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives brighten this dish instantly with a pop of color and a gentle herbal aroma. A simple sprinkle right before serving adds a fresh contrast to the creamy richness, elevating every mouthful.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is a one-pan wonder loaded with flavor, pairing it with crisp green vegetables like steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad balances the meal wonderfully. For heartier options, roasted carrots or green beans tossed with a little garlic and olive oil are spectacular companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve straight from the baking dish to keep things cozy and casual. Hosting guests? Dish up individual portions in pretty bowls or on rustic plates, topped with a lemon wedge for a subtle citrus twist that cuts through the creaminess with finesse.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this casserole! Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor preservation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven at a moderate temperature. If it seems a bit dry, splash a little broth or water before heating to bring back that luscious creaminess you love in the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and add a deeper flavor to the dish, though cooking times might vary slightly. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Is it okay to use brown Minute rice?
Yes, brown Minute rice works well in this recipe and adds a nuttier texture and flavor. It may take a bit longer to cook, so keep an eye on moisture levels and adjust baking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, look for dairy-free cream soup alternatives or make your own with coconut milk and vegetable broth. Skipping the butter or using a plant-based spread will keep it friendly for dairy-sensitive eaters.
What can I add to make the recipe more colorful?
Vegetables like peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers stirred into the rice mixture before baking can add vibrant color and extra nutrition to brighten up the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Why is it called the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe?
This dish earned its charming name because it’s such a classic, humble casserole often overlooked in favor of flashier meals, yet it’s packed with comforting flavor and easy prep that should never be forgotten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving that perfect combination of creamy, savory, and easy-to-make comfort food, the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is the answer you didn’t know you needed. It’s a nostalgic hug that brings simplicity and flavor to your table, ready to become your go-to weeknight hero. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love all over again.
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole is an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts bake atop a creamy mixture of Minute rice, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, and a savory onion soup mix, resulting in a warm, flavorful one-pan dish that serves eight.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute 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
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Grease Baking Pan: Use the tablespoon of butter to thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water (measured using the empty soup can), and Minute rice. Stir everything together until fully blended.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the greased baking pan. Next, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add savory flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture inside, and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and rice is tender.
- Optional Cheese Addition: For extra creaminess, you can add shredded cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking before uncovered final bake.
Notes
- Using Minute rice allows for a quicker cooking time compared to traditional rice.
- Make sure to cover tightly with foil to prevent the casserole from drying out during baking.
- The Lipton onion soup mix adds a rich, savory layer of flavor, but can be replaced with other onion seasoning if needed.
- Leftovers keep well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures even cooking and easier slicing after baking.
