Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan meal that offers comfort and convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines tender chicken with creamy rice for a delightful dinner experience. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various occasions, ensuring you’ll keep coming back to this delicious dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and just one pan to clean, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups creates a rich, savory sauce that elevates the dish.
- Versatile Ingredients: Substitute ingredients easily based on what you have at home, making it adaptable to your pantry.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at family dinners.
- Make Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, saving you time.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking Forgotten Chicken and Rice, gather your essential tools. Having everything on hand will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for baking your chicken and rice evenly while holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine soups and rice seamlessly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
Ingredients
Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
For the Rice and Soup Mixture
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.5 oz can water
For Flavor Enhancement
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan
Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter. This step ensures that your dish doesn’t stick and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Mix Your Ingredients
In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until fully combined. This mixture will be the base flavor for your dish.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Pan
Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan. Lay the chicken breasts on top of this mixture evenly.
Step 4: Add Flavor Boost
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. This adds robust flavor that complements the creamy base.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1½ hours until chicken is fully cooked through. Baking with foil helps retain moisture for tender meat.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra touch, uncover and top with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking if desired.
Step 7: Serve
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving the creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan. Enjoy your delightful meal!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want something light or rich, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Family Style
- Serve the chicken and rice directly from the baking pan for a casual family dinner. This way, everyone can help themselves!
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top each serving with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. It adds freshness to the creamy dish.
With a Side Salad
- Pair with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette. The refreshing greens balance out the richness of the chicken and rice.
Over Steamed Vegetables
- Serve over steamed broccoli or green beans. This adds nutrition and gives a nice crunch to each bite.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy reheated leftovers for lunch! It makes for an easy meal that’s just as delicious the next day.

How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To achieve the best results with your Forgotten Chicken and Rice, consider these tips for perfecting your dish:
- Use quality chicken: Fresh, boneless chicken breasts yield better flavor and texture than frozen ones.
- Adjust rice type: If you prefer brown rice, adjust cooking times accordingly, as it may require more liquid.
- Add veggies: Toss in some frozen mixed vegetables for added nutrients without extra prep work.
- Experiment with spices: Consider adding garlic powder or paprika for extra depth in flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Forgotten Chicken and Rice can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread complements the creamy dish perfectly. Toast it until golden brown for added crunch.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds a bright flavor contrast. Roast until tender and slightly charred for best results.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightness to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn is a classic side that pairs well; grill or boil it just before serving.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a favorite; they soak up all those delicious juices from the chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans offer a hearty side that’s both comforting and flavorful alongside this main dish.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides natural sweetness; choose seasonal fruits for best flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: Crisp cucumber salad brings a cool contrast to warm dishes; drizzle with olive oil and vinegar for added taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the Greasing Step: Failing to grease the baking pan can lead to sticking. Always use butter or cooking spray to prevent this problem.
- Not Mixing Ingredients Well: If you don’t mix the soups and rice thoroughly, some parts may remain dry. Take time to ensure an even mixture.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Using a pan that’s too small can cause uneven cooking. Make sure you use a 9×13 baking pan for best results.
- Ignoring Cooking Time: Not baking long enough can leave the chicken undercooked. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Forgetting Optional Toppings: Skipping cheese at the end can lessen flavor. Consider adding shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes for an extra delicious touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a one-pan meal that combines chicken breasts with rice and creamy soups, making it both easy and comforting.
Can I customize my Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings too!
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.
What sides pair well with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Salads or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely. They add freshness and balance to the meal.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can adapt it according to your preferences, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Give it a try and enjoy customizing your own version!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Forget the fuss and embrace the comfort of Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a delectable one-pan meal that brings together tender chicken breasts and creamy rice for a cozy family dinner. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this dish requires minimal preparation while delivering maximum flavor. With its rich sauce made from cream of chicken and mushroom soups, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Plus, the versatility of ingredients allows you to adapt it easily based on what you have in your pantry. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or as leftovers, Forgotten Chicken and Rice is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
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
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and place chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- If desired, uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg