The Easiest, Creamiest Chicken and Rice Bake You’ll Ever Make!

Introduction

There are recipes that bring comfort… and then there’s Forgotten Chicken — a creamy, tender, flavor-packed bake that practically cooks itself. 💛

If you’ve ever craved something cozy and soul-warming after a long day, this Amazing Forgotten Chicken is exactly that. Imagine tender chicken breasts slowly baking in a creamy sauce of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and rich buttery rice that soaks up every bit of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most nostalgic aroma — the kind that instantly takes you back to Sunday dinners at home.

They call it “Forgotten Chicken” because it’s so effortless, you literally put it in the oven… and forget about it until it’s done. No stirring, no watching — just wholesome comfort food magic happening while you unwind, set the table, or sneak in a quick episode of your favorite show.

Let’s get started — this is the kind of dinner that proves simple ingredients can still create something extraordinary.

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Why You’ll Love This Amazing Forgotten Chicken

• 🥘 One-Pan Wonder: No need for multiple pots or pans — everything cooks together beautifully.
• 🍗 Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: The slow bake locks in moisture and flavor.
• 🍚 Creamy, Buttery Rice: Fluffy rice infused with savory mushroom sauce — total comfort food.
• ⏱ Effortless to Make: Just layer, cover, bake, and forget it!
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Favorite: A hit with kids and adults alike — perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
• 🧂 Classic, Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.

If you love easy chicken casseroles, creamy one-pan dinners, or old-fashioned comfort food, this Amazing Forgotten Chicken recipe will quickly become a household staple.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this cozy, oven-baked dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender and juicy when baked low and slow.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked) – Regular or basmati works great; avoid instant rice.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds rich, savory flavor and creamy texture.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – Doubles the creaminess and enhances the chicken flavor.
• 1 cup chicken broth – Keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• ½ cup milk – Makes the sauce extra creamy and luscious.
• 1 stick (½ cup) butter, melted – For that signature buttery finish.
• 1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth and aroma.
• 1 tsp onion powder – A hint of savory flavor.
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp paprika – For color and a touch of warmth.
• Fresh parsley or thyme (optional) – For garnish and freshness.

💡 Pro tip: You can swap in cream of celery soup or add sautéed mushrooms for extra richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
This dish will hold everything — the rice, sauce, and chicken — so make sure it’s deep enough.

📝 Pro tip: Use a glass or ceramic dish for even baking and to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Rice

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Add the uncooked rice directly into this mixture and stir until well combined.

💡 Tip: This rice will cook right in the oven as it absorbs the flavorful sauce — no pre-cooking needed!

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Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Pour the rice mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Then, gently place the chicken breasts on top. Sprinkle them with a little paprika, salt, and pepper.

The sauce will bubble up as it bakes, enveloping the chicken and rice in a creamy, savory bath.

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Step 4: Add Butter

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken.
This creates a golden top layer and helps the chicken stay juicy and rich.

🧈 Pro tip: For a deeper buttery flavor, you can use browned butter instead.

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Step 5: Bake & “Forget It”

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the rice is fluffy and the top is golden.

🔥 Tip: If you want extra color, broil the top for 2–3 minutes at the end — just keep a close eye on it!

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Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to settle.

Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh thyme, and serve warm with a spoonful of that creamy rice on the side.

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Tips for Success

1. Don’t use instant rice — it cooks too quickly and can turn mushy.
2. Keep the foil tight — this traps the steam and ensures even cooking.
3. Add more broth if needed — depending on your oven, you may need an extra ¼ cup for softer rice.
4. Use room-temperature chicken — helps it cook evenly.
5. Check for doneness — chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let it rest before serving — the sauce thickens beautifully as it cools slightly.
7. Make it ahead — assemble the dish a few hours early, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Cheesy Forgotten Chicken: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top before baking.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Add ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms to the rice mixture.
• Spicy Twist: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Healthy Option: Use brown rice and low-fat soups (increase baking time by 15–20 minutes).
• Herb Upgrade: Mix in dried thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

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What to Serve With Forgotten Chicken

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:

• 🥗 Green Beans Almondine or Garlic Butter Broccoli
• 🥖 Warm Dinner Rolls or Homemade Biscuits
• 🥬 Crisp Garden Salad with ranch or vinaigrette
• 🍷 A glass of chilled Chardonnay or sweet iced tea

Perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep nights — it reheats like a dream!

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave for 2–3 minutes until heated through.

🧂 Tip: Add a splash of broth or milk before reheating to keep the rice creamy and moist.

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	36 g
Carbohydrates	38 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	720 mg

(Values are approximate and vary depending on brands and portion size.)

This recipe is high in protein, family-friendly, and easily adaptable for low-sodium or reduced-fat diets.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. ❌ Using instant rice — it overcooks and turns mushy.
2. ❌ Skipping the foil — the steam is essential for tender rice.
3. ❌ Overbaking — check at 1 hour 15 minutes; overcooking can dry out the chicken.
4. ❌ Not letting it rest — that 5–10 minute rest makes a big difference in texture.
5. ❌ Using frozen chicken — always thaw first to ensure even cooking.

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FAQ

Q1: Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?
Because you literally assemble it, put it in the oven, and forget it! It’s low-effort, no-stir, and practically cooks itself.

Q2: Can I make this in a crockpot?
Yes! Combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3–4 hours.

Q3: Can I use boneless thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — thighs are even juicier and add extra flavor!

Q4: Can I add veggies to the dish?
Definitely. Frozen peas, carrots, or chopped broccoli can go right into the rice mixture.

Q5: What’s the best rice to use?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best — it cooks evenly without becoming sticky.

Q6: Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready. Just add 10–15 minutes extra bake time if it’s cold.

Q7: How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soups and broth — the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

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Conclusion

This Amazing Forgotten Chicken is one of those old-fashioned, cozy recipes that never goes out of style. It’s creamy, comforting, and completely foolproof — the perfect combination of tender chicken, buttery rice, and nostalgic flavor.

It’s proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to make a meal that everyone will love.

So next time you want a comforting dinner without the fuss — bake this, forget it, and let your oven do the work.

If you loved this easy casserole, try my 20-Minute Pumpkin Carbonara: Quick & Delicious or Pumpkin Spice Donuts next — they’re equally simple, cozy, and crowd-pleasing!