Name: Forgotten Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 90 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 2 cups minute rice, uncooked; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (room temperature); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup (room temperature); 1 can water (use empty soup can to measure, room temperature); 5 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed of excess fat); 1 envelope dry onion soup mix (typically 1 oz); 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish, softened or melted)

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Creamy, comforting, and unbelievably simple — Forgotten Chicken is the kind of dinner that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. This casserole combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and minute rice into a hands-off dish that bakes itself into a flavorful, family-friendly meal. Fun fact: this recipe rose to popularity because it’s almost impossible to mess up — leave it to bake, and it rewards you with juicy chicken and pillowy rice. If you love fuss-free comfort food, you’ll appreciate how this compares to my slow-cooker favorites; try a different hands-off approach in 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken with Stuffing for another easy weeknight option. Read on and get excited to serve a classic crowd-pleaser.

What is Forgotten Chicken?

Why is it called Forgotten Chicken? Did someone really forget it in the oven? The name is a playful mystery — part legend, part kitchen shorthand for a dish that’s forgiving enough to “forget” while it bakes. Maybe it started when busy home cooks popped it in the oven and came back 90 minutes later to a perfect dinner — no babysitting required. Who knew that leaving a casserole alone could produce such perfection? And remember the old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Why not test that theory with a dish this simple and delicious? Give it a try and see why everyone keeps talking about it.

Why You’ll Love This

Hands-off comfort: The highlight is a rich, creamy base that cooks the rice and infuses the chicken with moisture so every bite is tender and flavorful. The texture contrast between soft rice and juicy chicken is pure comfort food.
Budget-friendly and satisfying: Making this at home costs much less than takeout and stretches to feed a family of four easily, saving money without sacrificing taste.
Flavor boosters: The dry onion soup mix adds savory depth and a touch of seasoning that makes the whole casserole sing — you can finish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cheese for extra oomph.

If you enjoy bold, crispy textures, try pairing this cozy casserole night with an airier snack like my Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls for a playful contrast. Ready to bake? Let’s get started.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is straightforward: mix soups and rice, pour into a buttered baking dish, top with chicken, sprinkle the onion soup mix, cover tightly, and bake. It’s easy to prepare, delivers creamy, comforting texture, and produces juicy chicken with minimal hands-on time. Prep takes about 10 minutes; bake time is 90 minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups minute rice, uncooked
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, room temperature
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup, room temperature
1 can of water (use empty soup can to measure) — room temperature
5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds), trimmed of excess fat
1 envelope dry onion soup mix (typically 1 oz)
Butter for greasing the baking dish (about 1 tablespoon, softened or melted for greasing)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish so the rice mixture won’t stick.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and the measured can of water. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
Add the 2 cups of minute rice to the soup mixture and stir until the rice is evenly coated.
Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Arrange the 5 boneless, skinless chicken pieces evenly on top of the rice mixture. Nestle them slightly so they make good contact with the rice.
Sprinkle the envelope of dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken and rice.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to seal in moisture and prevent drying out.
Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the rice to settle.
Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm. Freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon can brighten the dish at the end.

Forgotten Chicken

What to Serve With

Crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut the richness (mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes).
Steamed or roasted green beans or broccoli for a fresh, crunchy side.
Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread to sop up the creamy sauce.
Pickles or a bright slaw to add acidity and balance the meal.
For drinks, try iced tea, a light white wine like Pinot Grigio, or sparkling water with lemon.

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use room-temperature soups and water for even mixing; cold ingredients can lead to uneven cooking.
If your chicken pieces are thick, pound them slightly to an even thickness so they cook through in the same time.
For added flavor, stir in a handful of frozen peas or diced carrots into the rice mixture before baking.
Want a golden top? Remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes of baking and broil briefly while watching closely.
Common mistake: removing the foil too early. Keep it covered for most of the baking time to retain moisture and let the rice absorb the liquid.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. Cool completely, cover with a double layer of foil or freeze in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway. For whole casserole, reheat in a 325°F oven for 20–30 minutes covered, until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or a pat of butter if it seems dry.

FAQs

Is Forgotten Chicken gluten-free?
Most of the primary ingredients are gluten-free, but check labels on cream soups and the dry onion soup mix — some brands contain wheat. Use gluten-free labeled soups to make it safe.

Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice?
You can, but brown rice requires much more liquid and a longer cooking time. For best results, stick to minute rice or adjust liquid and baking time accordingly.

Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but bone-in pieces take longer to cook. Increase baking time and check for a 165°F internal temperature near the bone.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely. Add quick-cooking veggies like peas, corn, or finely diced carrots to the rice mixture before baking for added color and nutrition.

How can I make this lighter?
Use reduced-fat cream soups and skinless chicken breasts, and add extra vegetables to stretch the dish while lowering calories.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken is a simple, cozy casserole that proves delicious dinners don’t need complicated steps. It’s economical, family-friendly, and reliably flavorful — perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. If you want to see other takes on this beloved dish and learn its history, check out this version from Forgotten Chicken | 12 Tomatoes and a popular variation at Forgotten Chicken Casserole – The Cookin Chicks. Give it a try, share it with family, and enjoy the praise that follows.