Forgotten Chicken – Step-by-Step Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Mix the Rice Base:
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the minute rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and 1 can of water. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly spread.
3️⃣ Add the Chicken:
Place the raw chicken thighs or breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture.
4️⃣ Top with Onion Soup Mix:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. No need to stir!
5️⃣ Cover & Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
6️⃣ Rest & Serve:
Remove from the oven and let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests.
Pro Tips for Forgotten Chicken Success:
- Use Minute Rice Only: Regular rice won’t cook properly in this method—stick to instant rice for the right texture.
- Don’t Peek! Keeping it covered traps the moisture needed for tender chicken and fluffy rice.
- Customize Your Protein: Works with boneless thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks (just adjust for bone-in cook time).
Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken:
- One Pan Wonder: Mix it and forget it—zero fuss, maximum flavor.
- Comfort Food Classic: Creamy rice, tender chicken, savory onion topping… it hits all the right notes.
- Great for Meal Prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully and make an easy lunch or dinner later in the week.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
FAQ About Forgotten Chicken:
Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?
Not recommended. Regular rice takes longer to cook and won’t absorb the liquid properly in this recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Stir in frozen peas, corn, or chopped mushrooms with the rice mixture before adding the chicken.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just let it sit at room temp for 10–15 minutes before baking.
Common Problems and Fixes:
Rice too crunchy?
Make sure you used instant rice and that the dish was tightly covered during baking.
Chicken dry or overcooked?
Use thighs for more moisture, and check your oven temp—some ovens run hot. Covering the dish is crucial!
Not enough flavor?
Try adding a dash of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper to the rice mixture before baking.
Flavor Variations You Can Try:
- Cheesy Chicken & Rice: Add ½ cup shredded cheddar to the rice mixture for a creamy, cheesy kick.
- Southwest Style: Use cream of mushroom soup, a dash of chili powder, and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese.
- Mushroom Lover’s: Swap the cream of celery for cream of mushroom soup and top with sautéed mushrooms.
Perfect for Every Occasion:
Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a potluck dish, or a comforting meal for a friend in need, Forgotten Chicken is a classic you’ll turn to again and again. It’s easy, affordable, and always satisfying.
Classic Comfort Made Simple:
It’s called “forgotten” because you can literally put it in the oven and forget about it. When it’s done, you’re left with perfectly cooked chicken and creamy, flavorful rice with almost no effort. One bite, and you’ll remember why this dish never goes out of style.
Tried it? Show off your pan of comforting perfection—tag and share your Forgotten Chicken creations!
