Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Creamy Dinner in One Pan

Amazing Forgotten Chicken is one of those recipes that sounds like it came from your grandma’s dusty church cookbook—and trust me, that’s a good thing. It’s comforting, creamy, and just about foolproof. And guess what? This amazing forgotten chicken dish lives up to its name: you mix it, pop it in the oven, and forget about it (until the savory smell brings the whole house running). With just six ingredients and a single pan, it’s a lifesaver for anyone who’s ever felt personally attacked by the question, “What’s for dinner?” Especially after a long day.

Whether you’re juggling Zoom meetings, school pickups, or a hangry toddler meltdown, this one-dish wonder is here to make your evening feel like a win. Plus, the leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) taste just as cozy the next day. Let’s break down why this classic dish deserves a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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What is Amazing Forgotten Chicken?

Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a creamy, dreamy casserole dish made from humble pantry staples like rice, chicken, canned soup, and onion soup mix. It’s called “forgotten” because once you assemble it, you literally forget about it while it bakes—no stirring, no checking, no babysitting. The chicken cooks right on top of a bed of seasoned rice that soaks up all the flavor from the soups and seasonings, turning into a soft, savory base that’s honestly half the reason you’ll come back for seconds. It’s the food equivalent of a cozy sweater: simple, comforting, and something you’ll want again and again.

It’s also one of those magic recipes that tastes like you spent hours, but takes less than 10 minutes to prep. You might even call it the slow-cooked miracle for the time-starved soul. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, carb lovers, or just want something that requires exactly zero thinking, this recipe’s got your back.

Reasons to Try Amazing Forgotten Chicken

There are plenty of chicken and rice casseroles out there, but amazing forgotten chicken earns its title for a few very good reasons. First, it’s outrageously easy. We’re talking dump-and-bake levels of simplicity. No sautéing, no chopping—just stir, layer, and bake. Second, the ingredients are all budget-friendly, pantry staples. If you’ve got chicken breasts and a couple of cans of soup in the cupboard, you’re basically halfway there. Third, the flavor payoff is huge.

The Lipton onion soup mix adds a savory punch, while the rice gets creamy from the mushroom and chicken soup. The best part? The rice and chicken cook together, so you don’t need to juggle multiple pans or cook components separately. It’s a full meal in one dish. Need more convincing? It’s picky-eater approved, great for meal prep, and endlessly customizable. Want more veggie power? Toss in frozen peas or broccoli. Craving comfort with a cheesy twist? Add a handful of shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes. This dish has the magic combo: low effort, high reward.

Ingredients Needed to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this midweek miracle happen:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups Minute rice
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can water (use one of the soup cans to measure)
• 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

That’s it. No obscure ingredients. No running to three different stores. Just simple, solid staples you probably already have lurking in your pantry or freezer.

Instructions to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken (Step by Step)

Making amazing forgotten chicken is so easy, you might find yourself double-checking the recipe like, “Wait, is that really it?” Yep. It really is. Follow this step-by-step guide to get it right every time—and nail that creamy, cozy texture everyone loves.

Preheat the Oven

First things first: set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give it time to preheat while you prep the casserole. This temp gives the rice time to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through gently, so you get juicy chicken—not mystery-meat mush.

Grease the Baking Dish

Use that tablespoon of butter to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This keeps the rice from sticking and makes cleanup a whole lot easier. Plus, it adds a tiny bit of richness that plays well with the creamy sauce.

Mix the Wet Ingredients and Rice

In a medium bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Minute rice, and water. Stir until everything is nice and combined. The rice should be completely coated. No fancy mixing required—just a good stir until it’s uniform.

Assemble the Casserole

Pour that creamy rice mixture into the greased casserole dish and smooth it out so it’s even. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice, spaced out a bit. The chicken will cook right on top, letting all those juices seep down into the rice. Yes, please.

Sprinkle the Onion Soup Mix

This is the secret weapon of the dish. Sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken. Don’t skimp—this is where the deep, savory flavor comes from. It’s salty, oniony, and gives the dish its signature “I slaved over this” taste (even if you didn’t).

Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and helps the rice cook evenly without drying out. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. The aroma? Basically irresistible.

Let It Rest and Serve

When the timer goes off, resist the urge to dive in immediately. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the rice can firm up and the flavors can settle. Serve it hot—and maybe with a side of gratitude that dinner was this easy. For a crispy twist, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

What to Serve with Amazing Forgotten Chicken

While this dish stands strong on its own, you can jazz it up with a few easy sides. A simple green salad or steamed broccoli balances the creamy richness. Want to go full comfort mode? Add garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls—they’re great for scooping up extra sauce. If you’re into vibrant flavor combos, try a lemony veggie side like this sheet pan lemon balsamic chicken and potatoes—yes, more chicken, but trust me, you won’t mind. For dessert, keep it easy with magic lemon cobbler or strawberry tiramisu. You’ve earned it.

Key Tips for Making Amazing Forgotten Chicken

• Use Minute Rice: Regular rice won’t work the same way here—it needs more liquid and time. Stick with Minute rice unless you want crunchy surprises.
• Don’t skip the foil: That cover is crucial for the rice to cook through. Forget the foil, and you risk dry chicken and crunchy rice.
• Want more flavor? Add a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of paprika to the chicken before baking.
• Add veggies: Frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli can go straight into the rice mixture—no pre-cooking needed.
• Make it cheesy: A sprinkle of cheddar during the last 10 minutes adds a gooey topping that makes this dish even more crave-worthy.
• Slice large chicken breasts: If your chicken pieces are thick, consider slicing them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly with the rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Amazing Forgotten Chicken

If you’ve got leftovers (miracle!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit, kind of like a good stew. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water if it looks a little dry. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 15–20 minutes. Want to freeze it? You can! Just let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently to keep it from drying out. Tip: portioning into meal prep containers is great for grab-and-go lunches.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless thighs work beautifully and are often juicier. Just make sure they’re trimmed and evenly sized.

What if I only have regular rice?
Regular rice needs longer cooking time and more liquid, so it’s not a 1:1 swap here. Stick with Minute rice for best results.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You bet. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Just add 5–10 minutes to the bake time if it’s going in cold.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written—most canned soups and onion soup mixes contain gluten. But with the right gluten-free substitutions, it absolutely can be.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger dish or two 9×13 pans. Make sure everything is spread evenly and covered well during baking.

What if I want to add cheese?
No problem! Add shredded cheese over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melty, golden top.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to dinner decisions, amazing forgotten chicken is like hitting the easy button. It’s warm, satisfying, and perfect for anyone who just wants dinner to make itself while they handle everything else. It’s been quietly passed around kitchens for decades—and for good reason. This dish is comfort food at its finest: easy, filling, affordable, and full of nostalgic flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie who just wants to stop relying on takeout, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. And the best part? You can forget all about it—until your house smells like home. Looking for more easy chicken dinners? Check out garlic butter chicken and potatoes skillet or our queso chicken enchiladas next.

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