The Forgotten Chicken Recipe: A Cozy Classic That Practically Cooks Itself

Craving comfort food? This forgotten chicken recipe​ is a creamy, oven-baked classic made with chicken, rice, and soup. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, it’s a no-fuss meal that practically cooks itself—and wins over everyone at the table.

The forgotten chicken recipe​ is more than just a name—it’s a promise. A promise of simplicity, comfort, and a no-fuss dinner that practically cooks itself while you handle everything else life throws at you. This easy, oven-baked dish has been a beloved staple in kitchens across the country for decades, and it’s easy to see why.

It’s the kind of meal you can throw together in minutes with pantry staples and a few chicken breasts, then forget about until the oven timer dings. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or those days when you just can’t deal with another complicated dinner plan.

I first discovered this recipe when my kids were young and chaos reigned at dinnertime. One bite and I was hooked. It’s warm, creamy, and just plain comforting. Ready to see why this humble dish is making a comeback in kitchens everywhere?

Let’s dig in.

Main Ingredients for forgotten chicken recipe​ (With a Touch of Love)

Here’s what you’ll need for the heart of the forgotten chicken recipe​. These basics work together to create a creamy, flavorful, satisfying one-dish meal. Looking for more comfort food classics? Try this chicken and wild rice recipe for a cozy twist.

• 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all that creamy goodness.
• 1 (10.5 oz) Can of Cream of Celery Soup
  Adds a mild, savory base with just a hint of celery flavor.
• 1 (10.5 oz) Can of Golden Mushroom Soup
  This gives the dish depth and a subtle umami richness you’ll love.
• 1/2 Cup Whole Milk
  Helps smooth out the soup and gives it a creamy, comforting texture.
• 1 Cup Uncooked White Rice
  A pantry staple that becomes tender and flavorful as it bakes in the sauce.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter (Optional but Recommended)
  Adds a silky finish and a bit of extra richness.

Sprinkle in a little salt and pepper, and you’re off to the races!

Additional Ingredients and Simple Substitutes

Want to mix things up? Here are some extras and easy swaps that still honor the soul of the forgotten chicken recipe​.

• Sub Cream of Mushroom Soup if you don’t have cream of celery—just as creamy and delicious.
• Brown Rice can be used, but increase cooking time by 20–30 minutes.
• Add Sliced Mushrooms or Chopped Onions for extra flavor and texture.
• Use Chicken Thighs instead of breasts for even juicier results. Chicken thighs are also the star in our chicken thigh and rice recipes—packed with flavor and tenderness.
• Top with Shredded Cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty bonus.

This dish is forgiving, flexible, and absolutely open to your creative touch.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Forgotten Chicken Recipe​​

You know what they say—experience is the best teacher. And after making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve got some insider advice that’ll make your version shine.

• Use a Deep Baking Dish
  You’ll want a 9×13-inch casserole dish that can hold all that creamy goodness without bubbling over.
• Don’t Skip the Foil
  Covering the dish tightly ensures the rice cooks through and the chicken stays juicy. It’s not optional, folks!
• Season Each Layer Lightly
  A little salt and pepper on the rice and the chicken goes a long way. Don’t forget to taste your soup mixture too.
• Let It Rest
  Give your dish 5–10 minutes to rest after baking. It thickens up a bit and makes serving a breeze.
• Want a Golden Top?
  Uncover for the last 10 minutes of baking to get a slightly crisped-up top layer. Yum.
• Feeding a Crowd?
  Double the ingredients and use a larger dish—or make two! It reheats like a dream.

These tips will help you avoid dry chicken or crunchy rice (trust me, we’ve all been there) and bring out the best in every bite.

Recommended Techniques for Cozy, Consistent Results

To make your forgotten chicken recipe​ turn out just right every time, here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Mix the soups and milk first so everything’s evenly combined.
• Spread the rice out in an even layer in your baking dish.
• Lay the chicken breasts flat on top without overlapping.
• Pour the mixture gently over the rice and chicken so it all gets evenly covered.
• Seal the foil tightly around the dish to lock in moisture.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes—no peeking!

Step-by-Step Instructions (The Cozy Way)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Mix the soups and milk in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
3. Spread the rice evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Pour the soup mixture over the rice and stir gently to coat.
5. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
6. Dot with butter, if using, for extra richness.
7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Additional Guide: Variations & Tricks to Try

Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few fun spins on the classic forgotten chicken recipe​:

• Tex-Mex Twist: Add canned green chilies, swap mushroom soup for cream of chicken, and sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken. Craving something with a kick? Our jerk chicken and rice recipe brings bold island flavor to the dinner table.
• Creamy Italian Style: Stir a spoonful of pesto into the soup mixture and top with mozzarella.
• Veggie Lover’s Version: Toss in frozen peas and carrots before baking.
• Make It in the Slow Cooker: Follow the same instructions but cook on low for 4–6 hours. For hands-off cooking, check out our full roundup of slow cooker chicken and rice recipes.
• Go cheesy: Try our cheesy chicken and rice casserole—a creamy, crowd-pleasing variation.

The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is. You can experiment without losing the magic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Forgotten Chicken Recipe ​​(FAQs)

Conclusion: One Pan, Countless Memories

There’s something special about a recipe that doesn’t ask too much but gives so much in return. The forgotten chicken recipe​ isn’t flashy or fussy—but it’s full of warmth, comfort, and love.

It’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again, especially on the days when you need a little help from the oven and a lot of flavor on the table. And hey, if it becomes a family favorite in your house too, then my job here is done. And if you’re looking to mix things up midweek, you can’t go wrong with this one pot chicken and rice version—it’s just as easy, and just as comforting.

If you try it, I’d love to hear how it goes! Did you add your own twist? Did your family gobble it up? Drop a comment or share your version—let’s keep the love (and the comfort food) going.

Until next time,

Forgotten Chicken

This forgotten chicken recipe is a creamy, oven-baked classic made with chicken, rice, and soup. Perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends, it’s a no-fuss meal that practically cooks itself—and wins over everyone at the table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Aluminum foil

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can cream of celery soup 10.5 oz
• 1 can golden mushroom soup 10.5 oz
• 0.5 cup whole milk
• 1 cup uncooked white rice
• 2 tbsp butter for greasing dish
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
• In a mixing bowl, combine cream of celery soup, golden mushroom soup, whole milk, and uncooked white rice. Stir until well mixed.
• Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
• Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
• Remove from oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a golden top, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of celery soup, or use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Adding sliced mushrooms or chopped onions can enhance the flavor and texture.

Keyword Casserole, Comfort Food

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