Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups and flavorful rice. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without the fuss.

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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice; stir until well mixed.
- Step 3: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Step 5: Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Step 6: For an optional cheesy topping, uncover the casserole and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Step 7: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving directly from the pan.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh or frozen vegetables like peas or carrots to add extra nutrition and color—add them before baking.
- Substitute the cream soups with homemade cream sauce to reduce sodium and control ingredients.
- Try seasoning the chicken with paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
- For a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes and broil briefly—watch carefully to avoid burning.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To prevent dryness, cover while reheating. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy texture of the soups.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown Minute rice; just keep in mind that it may require slightly more liquid and a bit longer baking time.
Do I have to cover the casserole while baking?
Covering the casserole traps moisture and ensures the rice cooks properly without drying out. You can uncover it toward the end if you want a browned top or to add cheese.
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan casserole that combines tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mixture of rice and soup, seasoned with onion soup mix. This hearty, easy-to-make recipe offers a convenient delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights, with optional cheese to add an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 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 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
Optional Topping
- Shredded cheese (amount as desired)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix the soup and rice: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice. Stir well until the mixture is fully blended.
- Assemble in baking pan: Pour the rice mixture evenly into the greased baking pan. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
- Add seasoning: Evenly sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts to provide a savory onion flavor infusion during baking.
- Cover and bake: Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Add optional cheese topping: For a cheesy variation, uncover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and rice. Return to oven uncovered to melt the cheese.
- Rest and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and let the casserole stand uncovered for 5 minutes to set. Serve directly from the pan, enjoying a warm, filling meal.
Notes
- Minute rice is pre-cooked, which reduces overall cooking time. If using regular rice, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Substitute cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile if desired.
- Use white or brown rice based on preference; brown rice will require slightly longer baking time.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Adding cheese is optional but enhances flavor and adds richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Forgotten Chicken and Rice, easy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, one pan meal, comfort food

