Forgotten Chicken: The Easy, Creamy Baked Casserole That Cooks Itself
Introduction
Short on time but craving a comforting, home-cooked dinner? This Forgotten Chicken recipe is your new go-to. Named for its simplicity, this dish comes together with just a few pantry staples and practically cooks itself in the oven. Juicy chicken breasts bake slowly over a bed of creamy rice, creating a hearty, satisfying meal with zero hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family dinners, it’s also a great hit with anyone searching “dump-and-bake chicken recipes,” “easy oven casseroles,” or “comfort food with chicken and rice.”
Origin and Popularity
The term “Forgotten Chicken” refers to how little attention this dish needs—just mix, bake, and forget it in the oven while you go about your evening. A vintage recipe from mid-century America, it became a staple in households looking for comforting, low-maintenance meals using cream-based soups and simple proteins. Today, it’s back in style as more people seek easy comfort food and one-dish meals.
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
– 1 envelope onion soup mix
– Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Additions
– Add frozen peas or carrots for a veggie boost
– Sprinkle with shredded cheddar in the last 15 minutes of baking
– Swap rice for brown rice (add 20 minutes to cook time)
– Use low-fat or sodium-reduced soups for a healthier version
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. - Prepare the Rice Base
In the dish, mix uncooked rice, both soups, and water or broth. Stir until combined. - Add the Chicken
Nestle chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle onion soup mix and seasonings evenly over everything. - Cover and Bake
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). - Rest and Serve
Remove foil and let rest for 5–10 minutes. Fluff the rice and serve hot.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 6)
Calories: ~410
Protein: ~32g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Fat: ~15g
Saturated Fat: ~5g
Fiber: ~1g
Sodium: ~920mg
Cholesterol: ~75mg
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soups and onion mix
Health Information & Benefits
– High in protein to support muscle health and satiety
– Easy to make lighter by using reduced-fat or homemade soups
– One-pan dish helps with portion control and cleanup
– Add vegetables to increase fiber and nutrients
– Great for meal prep or batch cooking
Tips for Success
– Don’t peek while baking—keeping the foil sealed helps rice steam properly
– For extra browning, broil the dish uncovered for the last 3–5 minutes
– Chop leftover chicken into wraps, salads, or stuffed peppers the next day
– Works great with boneless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat
Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken is more than just a throwback recipe—it’s a modern-day lifesaver for busy home cooks who want a creamy, satisfying meal with minimal effort. With simple ingredients and rich flavor, this casserole-style dish brings comfort and nostalgia to your table without the stress of constant monitoring.
Recommendation
Serve with a crisp side salad or roasted green beans for a balanced plate. It’s also perfect with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy rice.
Embracing Simple, Wholesome Eating
Recipes like Forgotten Chicken remind us that eating well doesn’t need to be complicated. With pantry basics and a single dish, you can create a comforting, homemade dinner that satisfies both hunger and soul—perfect for mindful weeknight meals and easy family favorites