Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a cozy, effortless meal that brings together tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice into one harmonious bake. With just a handful of pantry staples, this dish comes together beautifully, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures that taste way more luxurious than the simple ingredients suggest. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping ahead, this recipe captures nostalgic flavors with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture in the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe. From the creamy soups that add lusciousness to the soup mix that delivers savory depth, every item works together seamlessly.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provides the tender, lean protein that’s the star of this dish.
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown): Quick-cooking rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors while staying fluffy.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup: Adds velvety creaminess and subtle chicken flavor.
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthiness and richness to the gooey sauce.
- 1 10.5 oz can water: The liquid base that helps cook the rice perfectly in the oven.
- 1 tbsp butter: Used to grease the pan, ensuring nothing sticks while adding a touch of buttery flavor.
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix: Sprinkled on top for a burst of savory, slightly tangy seasoning that’s unmistakably tasty.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by greasing a 9×13 baking pan with the butter. This little step keeps the dish from sticking and adds a subtle buttery undertone to the bottom layer of the rice and chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and the Minute rice. This mixture will become the flavorful, creamy foundation that cooks into a tender, satisfying rice bed.
Step 3: Assemble the Ingredients
Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Lay the chicken breasts neatly on top, allowing them to gently bake into the rice, soaking in all those wonderful flavors throughout the hour-long bake.
Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix generously over the chicken breasts. This step is where the dish gets its signature savory kick and helps create a delicious, slightly crispy coating on the chicken.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the pan tightly with foil and place it in a preheated 350°F oven. Let it bake for about 1 to 1 ½ hours, which allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb every bit of flavor from the soups and seasonings.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra touch of indulgence, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. This melts on top, adding a gooey, golden-brown finish that lifts the dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the dish stand for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice settle so it’s perfectly creamy and easy to serve straight from the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that brightens every bite. A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can also bring a subtle heat contrast against the creamy base.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty bake with crisp steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli to balance the richness. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the creamy textures and keeps the meal light yet filling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style dinner, serve the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe directly from the baking dish with chunky bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. For a more elegant presentation, portion out the rice and chicken neatly on warm plates and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making the next-day meal just as satisfying as the fresh bake.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to enjoy the same comforting flavors whenever you want.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven covered with foil to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating helps keep the rice from drying out, making the dish moist and tender again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a bit more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content, which works wonderfully in the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Is Minute rice the best choice for this recipe?
Minute rice works great because it cooks evenly in the oven without getting overly mushy, but you can use regular white rice if you adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting the cream of chicken and mushroom soups with dairy-free alternatives and using non-dairy butter or oil to grease the pan, you can make it suitable for dairy-free diets.
What if I don’t have Lipton onion soup mix?
You can substitute with a homemade mix of dried onion flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and beef or vegetable bouillon powder for a similar flavor boost.
Can I add vegetables directly into the bake?
Certain vegetables like diced mushrooms, peas, or finely chopped carrots can be stirred into the rice and soup mixture before baking to add more texture and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
The Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Its ease and comfort make it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want a hearty home-cooked meal without fuss. Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself keeping it in your regular rotation for those cozy, flavorful moments that feed both body and soul.
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked over a creamy mixture of soups and Minute rice. This one-dish meal requires minimal prep and bakes to a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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 (use the soup can to measure)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
- Prepare the baking pan: Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with the butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix soup and rice: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice; stir until well blended.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture.
- Add seasoning: Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add a savory flavor.
- Bake the dish: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
- Optional cheese topping: In the last 10 minutes of baking, uncover the pan and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken if desired, then return to the oven to melt.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes before serving directly from the baking dish to ensure flavors meld and to cool slightly for safe eating.
Notes
- Minute rice cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well, making this dish convenient and tasty.
- You can substitute cream of chicken or mushroom soups with low-sodium or homemade versions to reduce sodium content.
- Adding shredded cheese in the last 10 minutes is optional but adds extra richness.
- Ensure chicken breasts are fully cooked by checking that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
