Name: Forgotten Chicken Recipe: My Homey, Super-Easy Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs); 2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 can cream of celery soup (or another can of cream of chicken); 1 packet of onion soup mix; 1 ½ cups of water (or chicken broth); Butter or oil for greasing; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or spinach

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I love making this Forgotten Chicken when I need something hearty that practically cooks itself—like when I’m rushing to get dinner on the table and have no time to get fancy. This recipe is comforting, creamy, and perfect for a busy evening. I can throw it together in just a few minutes, and my family goes wild for it every time.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe: My Homey, Super-Easy Favorite

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always make this dish when I want something that’s both simple and satisfying. It’s one of those meals that practically makes itself, and I don’t have to worry about too many complicated ingredients or steps. Plus, it’s hearty and warm, which is always a win in my book. The creamy texture of the soup mixture combined with tender chicken and rice is just so comforting, and best of all, there’s minimal cleanup afterward. You won’t find any picky eaters here—my family devours it every time, and I think you’ll love it too!

Ingredients

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sometimes I use thighs for more flavor)
2 cups of uncooked long-grain white rice
1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
1 can cream of celery soup (or an extra can of chicken soup if that’s all you have)
1 packet of onion soup mix
1 ½ cups of water (or chicken broth)
Some butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or spinach (just don’t tell my kids)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 180°C).
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or oil.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.
Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice, making sure they’re spaced out evenly.
In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and water (or chicken broth). Whisk until smooth.
Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top.
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 1 hour, checking the rice at 45 minutes for tenderness. If the rice isn’t quite done, let it bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 1 hour to bake.

Variations

I’ve tried a few variations that worked out (and a couple that didn’t):

Shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking adds a cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Swapping the soups and onion mix with salsa and taco seasoning was an interesting twist, though a bit spicy—great with a dollop of sour cream!
Adding broccoli didn’t go over well with the kids, but I liked the green touch. Maybe just serve it on the side next time.
Brown rice is an option, but it takes forever to cook, so I usually stick with white rice.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, I think this dish tastes even better the next day! If you freeze it, the rice might get a little mushy, but sometimes that’s fine if you’re in a rush. To reheat, just warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice?

You can use brown rice, but be prepared for it to take much longer to cook. It can also require a bit more liquid, so stick with white rice for a quicker and more reliable result.

What if I’m out of onion soup mix?

No problem! I’ve made this dish with just dried onions and garlic powder, and it still turned out great. It won’t have the exact same flavor, but it’ll be close enough.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is there a healthier version?

While this recipe isn’t exactly light, you can make it a bit healthier by using low-sodium soups or adding more vegetables. It’s still a comfort dish at heart, though, so don’t expect it to be too fancy.

Can I double this recipe?

For sure! You can easily double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish, or split it into two smaller ones. It’s a great option if you want to have leftovers for a few days.

Conclusion

This Forgotten Chicken recipe has become a staple in my house because it’s simple, delicious, and always a hit. Whether I’m in a rush or just craving something comforting, this dish checks all the boxes. I hope you’ll give it a try, and I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to meals too!