Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect easy dinner for busy nights! This dish is a classic comfort meal that requires minimal prep and is cooked low and slow in the oven. The name comes from the fact that once you put everything in the baking dish, you can “forget” about it until it’s ready. The chicken turns out tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors of the creamy sauce. It’s a fuss-free, one-pan meal that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or another cream soup of choice)
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (or water)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika (for extra flavor and color)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature allows the dish to cook slowly, making the chicken tender and the rice perfectly soft.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Sauce
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the rice mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle paprika and dried thyme (if using) over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the chicken.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam, ensuring the rice cooks properly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 30 minutes. Avoid opening the foil while baking, as this keeps the moisture inside.
Step 5: Add Cheese (Optional)
- If you want a cheesy topping, remove the foil after 1 hour and 30 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the rice to settle and absorb any remaining liquid.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
How to Serve
- Serve hot as a complete meal.
- Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables, such as green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple side salad.
- A warm dinner roll or garlic bread complements the creamy texture of the dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm. Add a splash of broth or milk if the rice appears dry.
Calories and Nutrition (Per Serving)
(This is an approximate calculation for 1 serving out of 4)
- Calories: ~450-500 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sodium: ~850mg (varies based on soup brands)
For a lighter version, you can use low-fat soups and swap white rice for brown rice (but cooking time may need adjusting).
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both convenience and flavor. Try it tonight and enjoy the comforting taste of home-cooked goodness!