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
Scale
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
