This simple forgotten chicken recipe is a cozy, no-fuss family favorite made with pantry staples like cream of mushroom soup, onion mix, and tender chicken breast. Just mix, bake, and forget about it until dinner time.
Simple forgotten chicken recipe, the name alone takes me back to a rainy Tuesday evening when everything that could go wrong… did. I’d just gotten home from a chaotic day filled with missed appointments, forgotten school forms, and one too many spilled coffees. I was exhausted, the kids were hungry, and I had absolutely zero energy left to cook.
That’s when I remembered this little gem of a recipe tucked away in my old recipe binder. A friend had scribbled it on a notecard and handed it to me years ago with a wink, saying, “Just toss it in the oven and forget about it.” She wasn’t kidding.
This forgotten chicken and rice recipe became an instant favorite in our home. It’s creamy, cozy, and comes together with pantry staples, no babysitting required. Whether life feels overwhelming or you just want something fuss-free, this dish delivers every single time. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth… and your soul with calm.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Simple Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life:
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup: Adds a creamy, savory base.
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup: Brings richness and earthy flavor. Also used in this cream of mushroom chicken with rice.
- 2 cups of white rice (uncooked): Long-grain rice works best for absorbing the flavorful broth.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast pieces: Tender and juicy after baking.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix: Infuses deep, savory flavor.
- 1.5 cups water: Helps cook the rice evenly and creates a delicious sauce.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a silky finish and enhances taste.
Simple, right? These are everyday ingredients you probably already have.
Additional Ingredients
Want to shake things up or accommodate dietary needs? Here are some ideas for the best simple forgotten chicken recipe:
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and aroma.
- Garlic powder or paprika to kick up the flavor.
- Brown rice or jasmine rice if you prefer a nuttier or more aromatic grain.
- Low-sodium soups and mixes to make this a diabetic friendly chicken and rice option.
- Cheese (like shredded cheddar) if you love a melty, gooey finish.
You can tailor this dish however you like without losing that comforting essence.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Simple Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Cooking this simple forgotten chicken recipe isn’t just easy, it’s almost foolproof. Here are some tips to make it even better:
- Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution.
- Cover tightly with foil to trap steam and help the rice cook through.
- Cut chicken pieces evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Don’t peek too early. It’s called “forgotten” for a reason. Let it bake undisturbed!
- Spray the pan with non-stick spray before layering ingredients.
- Stir the soups and water well to avoid clumps of seasoning in one spot.
- Add veggies like frozen peas or carrots in the last 15 minutes for color and nutrition.
It’s a true one pan chicken and rice dinner, so clean-up is a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a win.
Recommended Techniques
Here are a few more best practices that make this dish a guaranteed success:
- ✅ Mix soups, water, and onion mix before pouring over rice.
- ✅ Layer chicken over the rice mixture to keep it tender.
- ✅ Use foil to lock in moisture.
- ✅ Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.
- ✅ Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
This gentle layering and sealing technique makes everything cook beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through the process together. You’ll see just how truly “set it and forget it” this dish really is!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl (or right in the dish), combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Step 3: Add in the uncooked rice and stir to coat evenly. Spread the rice-soup mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken breast pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Step 6: Dot the top with small chunks of butter.
- Step 7: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.
That’s it! No babysitting, no extra pots to clean. Just simple comfort in one cozy dish.
Additional Guide
Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, try these fun twists:
- Add a little chili powder or cayenne to make it a spicy chicken and rice option.
- Want something tangy and bright? Try a lemon herb chicken rice bake variation with lemon zest and thyme.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of raw for a quick remix.
- Prefer quicker methods? Explore other pressure cooker rice dishes for fast, flavorful meals.
Whatever route you take, the “set it and forget it” magic remains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Yes, but increase the baking time by 15–20 minutes and check for doneness.
Totally! Thighs stay moist and add even more flavor. You can try our chicken thigh and rice recipes, specially made with tender, flavorful thighs.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy, filling, and loved by the whole family, this simple forgotten chicken recipe is a lifesaver. It’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor, yet requires barely any effort.
The best part? It leaves room for creativity. Try it with herbs, veggies, or a different grain. Let it become your go-to comfort meal, just like it did in my house.
And don’t forget to share your own twists and tips, I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Or try another forgotten chicken recipe that’s just as amazing if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
Simple Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups white rice uncooked, long grain
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast pieces
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1.5 cups water
- 2 tbsp butter cut into small chunks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl (or right in the dish), combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir until smooth.
- Add in the uncooked rice and stir to coat evenly. Spread the rice-soup mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Arrange the chicken breast pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Dot the top with small chunks of butter.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes before serving.
