If there’s one dish that promises to make your weeknights smoother and tastier, it’s this Forgotten Chicken and Rice. Imagine a hands-off, one-pan wonder that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, requires minimal prep, and serves up rich, creamy flavors. This recipe is truly set-and-forget, leaving you with more time to unwind while your oven works its magic. With just a few pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep, Forgotten Chicken and Rice will become a family favorite, guaranteed!
Let’s dive into how to bring this ultra-easy, ultra-cozy meal to life.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the pan)
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- Optional additions: shredded cheddar cheese, frozen veggies, diced chicken
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with butter, making sure to get every corner so the rice and soup mixture doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice. Stir until everything is well-blended, and you have a creamy, pourable mixture.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into your prepared baking pan. Place the chicken breasts on top, spacing them evenly over the rice mixture.
Step 4: Season with Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken. This will give the chicken a beautifully seasoned crust and extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the entire pan tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 1 to 1½ hours. The foil helps lock in moisture, ensuring the rice cooks through and the chicken stays juicy.
Step 6: Optional: Add Cheddar Cheese
For a cheesy twist, uncover the pan about 10 minutes before it’s done, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it bake uncovered for those last few minutes to melt the cheese to golden perfection.
Step 7: Serve
Let the dish stand for about 5 minutes to cool and set. Serve this comforting creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan and enjoy the effortless, heartwarming flavors!
Helpful Tips
- Don’t peek too soon: Keeping the foil on ensures that the steam and flavors remain intact, so try not to uncover the pan until close to the end.
- Thinner chicken pieces: If your chicken breasts are quite thick, consider slicing them in half or pounding them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to stand for a few minutes before serving helps the rice absorb any extra liquid, making each serving perfectly creamy.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap the Cream Soup Flavors: Feel free to use any other “cream of” soups you have on hand! Cream of celery or cream of cheddar both work beautifully.
- Use Boneless Chicken Thighs: Prefer darker meat? Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
- Add Vegetables: Mix frozen peas, carrots, or corn into the rice mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Diced Chicken Option: For smaller chicken bites, dice 1 lb of raw chicken and add it to the rice mixture instead of placing whole breasts on top. Reduce the baking time by 20-30 minutes if you opt for this method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?
Minute rice cooks faster and has the right consistency for this dish. If using regular rice, expect a longer cook time and potentially more liquid to ensure the rice fully cooks.
Can I prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice in advance?
Absolutely! Prep everything, cover the pan tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if starting from a cold pan.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and may stay even juicier than breasts.
Storage Instructions
Forgotten Chicken and Rice stores beautifully. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Embrace the ease of Forgotten Chicken and Rice on your busiest nights, knowing it’s bound to become a go-to in your rotation. Each bite is comfortingly creamy and savory, making the whole house smell amazing! Enjoy this weeknight miracle dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss.
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Forgotten Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Easy One-Pan Meal
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a creamy, hands-off one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a blend of creamy soups, this dish offers an irresistible, comforting meal with minimal prep. Simply set it and forget it!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 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
- 1 tbsp butter, for greasing pan
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, frozen veggies, diced chicken
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until well blended.
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking pan. Place chicken breasts evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Optional: For extra flavor, uncover and add shredded cheddar cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For diced chicken, add 1 lb cubed raw chicken directly to the rice mixture. Reduce baking time by 20-30 minutes.
- Substitute with different cream soups, add frozen veggies, or use boneless chicken thighs for a twist.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish
- Calories: Approx. 330 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg