There’s something truly magical about recipes that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. And that’s exactly why this Amazing Forgotten Chicken has been a family favorite for generations. The name itself makes you wonder—why is it called forgotten chicken? The reason is simple: you throw everything together, pop it in the oven, and forget about it until it’s time to eat. No stirring, no checking, no babysitting—just pure, foolproof deliciousness.

This dish is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy, savory flavors blend beautifully with tender chicken and fluffy rice, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights, cozy Sundays, or whenever you need something hearty and satisfying. Plus, with just six main ingredients, it’s as easy as it gets!

So, let’s get into it! This is everything you need to make this forgotten but unforgettable dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start, gather these simple ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups Minute rice (Instant rice makes this dish extra easy!)
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can water (Just use an empty soup can for measuring!)
• 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 tbsp butter (For greasing the dish and adding extra richness!)

Step 1: Preheat That Oven!

Before anything else, go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole starts cooking right away once it’s in the oven.

Nothing is worse than getting everything ready only to realize you forgot to turn on the oven—so let’s get that taken care of first!

Step 2: Grease the Baking Dish

Take a 9×13-inch casserole dish and lightly grease it with 1 tbsp of butter. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a little bit of extra flavor.

If you’re trying to keep it extra easy on cleanup, you can also use a non-stick spray instead.

Step 3: Mixing Up the Magic

Now, for the easiest step! In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Minute rice
• Water

Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice is evenly coated with that creamy, dreamy soup mixture. Don’t worry if it looks a little soupy—it’ll all come together beautifully once it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Now that the rice and soup mixture is ready, pour it into the greased casserole dish. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out evenly so that every bite has the perfect balance of rice and sauce.

Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and lay them directly on top of the rice mixture. Space them out evenly so that they cook properly.

Step 5: The Secret Ingredient

Here’s where the magic happens. Sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix over the top of the chicken.

This might seem like a simple step, but trust me—this one ingredient is what gives the dish its bold, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. The onion soup mix blends perfectly with the creamy soup base, giving it that slow-cooked for hours taste in just under an hour!

Step 6: Cover and Bake

One important trick for ensuring perfectly tender chicken and fluffy rice is to cover your casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam inside, allowing the rice to fully absorb all the liquid while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Once it’s covered, place it in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. While you’re waiting, this is the perfect time to set the table, make a quick side salad, or just kick back and relax.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

After about 45 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and carefully lift a corner of the foil to check if the dish is done. Here’s what you’re looking for:

•  The chicken should be fully cooked (165°F internal temperature)
•  The rice should be soft and fluffy, not crunchy or undercooked
•  The top should be slightly golden, thanks to the onion soup mix

If you notice that the rice still seems a little undercooked, simply cover the dish again and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Once your forgotten chicken casserole is done baking, resist the urge to dive in right away! Instead, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist, creamy, and packed with flavor.

Tasty Tips & Easy Variations

Now that you know the basics, here are some expert tips and fun variations to make this dish even better:

1. Want Extra Creaminess?

If you love a super creamy texture, add ½ cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the soup mixture before baking. This will give the casserole an even richer, velvety consistency.

2. Making It Cheesy?

Who doesn’t love a cheesy casserole? Try sprinkling ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden crust.

3. Give It a Veggie Boost

To turn this casserole into a one-dish meal, mix in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli with the rice mixture before baking. They’ll cook right along with everything else, making for an easy and balanced dinner.

4. Swap the Chicken for Another Protein

Not in the mood for chicken? This dish also works well with:

• Thinly sliced steak
• Turkey cutlets

Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is cooked through.

5. Add a Crispy Topping

For a little crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top of the casserole before baking. This adds a delicious contrast to the creamy texture.

What to Serve With Forgotten Chicken

This casserole is already packed with flavor, but if you’re looking for the perfect side dish, here are a few great options:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans – Adds a fresh and healthy balance
• A simple side salad – Lightens up the meal
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce
• Mashed potatoes – Because you can never have too much comfort food!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?

Yes, but with some adjustments. If you’re using long-grain white rice, increase the water to 1 ½ cups and extend the baking time by about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to keep it covered with foil so the rice fully absorbs the liquid. Brown rice will take even longer—around 60-70 minutes—so plan accordingly.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble everything the night before and store it in the fridge, covered. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then pop it in the oven as usual. Just note that cold ingredients might slightly increase the baking time.

3. How do I know if my chicken is fully cooked?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one of the chicken breasts—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside, you’re good to go!

4. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but I recommend thawing them first for even cooking. If using frozen, you may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to keep the rice from drying out.

6. What if my rice comes out too dry or crunchy?

This usually happens if too much liquid evaporates during baking. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed and consider adding an extra ¼ cup of water next time. If you’re reheating leftovers and the rice seems dry, stir in a little broth or milk before warming it up.

7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Simply mix everything in the slow cooker, set it on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. Just make sure to check that the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Final Thoughts: Why This Dish is a Must-Try

There’s a reason why Forgotten Chicken has been a beloved comfort food for years—it’s easy, delicious, and practically foolproof. With minimal prep and only a handful of pantry staples, you get a complete, hearty meal that pleases the whole family.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, feeding a crowd, or just craving something warm and cozy, this dish never disappoints. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the ingredients, add veggies, or make it cheesy for a fun twist.

So, if you’re looking for a no-fuss, family-approved meal, this is it. Try it out, and let me know how it turns out! Feel free to leave a comment with your own variations or favorite additions—I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own!

Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!

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