Forgotten Chicken and Rice

The aroma of savory chicken mingling with perfectly fluffy rice is just the beginning of what makes Forgotten Chicken and Rice so special. This comforting casserole earned its curious name because you simply assemble it, put it in the oven, and “forget” about it while it transforms into a delicious, hearty meal. The tender chicken thighs release their juices into the rice below, creating layers of flavor that simply can’t be achieved with other cooking methods. You’ll learn how to create this effortless one-dish wonder that will soon become your family’s new favorite weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers big on flavor without demanding constant attention. The magic happens as the chicken slowly cooks, releasing its rich juices into the rice below, creating an incredible depth of flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. You’ll love the textural contrast between the crispy, golden chicken skin on top and the creamy, flavorful rice underneath.

This recipe shines in its simplicity – with just a handful of pantry staples and about 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a complete meal that feeds the whole family. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner to cook itself while you tackle other tasks. The hands-off nature makes this chicken and rice bake ideal for entertaining too – you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen!

Ingredients

To make this delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 6-8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2-2.5 lbs)
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix (1 oz package)
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots

The bone-in chicken thighs are essential for this recipe as they provide both moisture and flavor while cooking. The combination of cream soups creates the perfect velvety base for the rice, while the onion soup mix adds incredible depth without any chopping required.

Pro Tips

Season Liberally: Don’t be shy with seasoning your chicken. Before placing it on the rice mixture, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This creates a flavorful crust and ensures the chicken itself isn’t bland compared to the flavorful rice.

Rest Before Serving: Once your Forgotten Chicken and Rice comes out of the oven, allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and lets the flavors meld together beautifully. The chicken will stay hot during this time but won’t dry out.

Perfect Rice Texture: For perfectly cooked rice that’s neither soggy nor crunchy, ensure your oven is properly preheated before the casserole goes in. Also, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil for the first 45 minutes of cooking to trap steam, then uncover to allow the chicken skin to crisp up during the final cooking stage. This two-stage cooking method ensures both components cook perfectly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier when you’re enjoying your Forgotten Chicken and Rice later.

Step 2: Create the Rice Base

In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and dry onion soup mix. Stir until well mixed and no large lumps remain. If you’re adding frozen vegetables, fold them in now. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving crispy skin! Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Place the seasoned chicken skin-side up on top of the rice mixture, arranging them evenly throughout the dish.

Step 4: Add Final Touches

Dot the small pieces of butter around the dish, placing them both on top of the chicken and on exposed areas of the rice mixture. This adds richness and helps the chicken skin brown beautifully. Season the entire dish with a final light sprinkle of black pepper.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow your Forgotten Chicken and Rice to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period completes the cooking process and allows the flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic family-style meal.

Variations

Herb Garden Forgotten Chicken: Create a fresher version of Forgotten Chicken and Rice by adding 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to the rice mixture. Top the finished dish with additional chopped herbs for brightness. This variation works beautifully for spring and summer dinners.

Mediterranean Twist: Transform the classic recipe by adding 1 cup of diced roasted red peppers, ½ cup of kalamata olives, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the rice mixture. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken and rice bake that’s bursting with sunny flavors.

Vegetable-Packed Version: For a more nutritious one-dish meal, boost your Forgotten Chicken and Rice by adding 2 cups of mixed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli florets, and cherry tomatoes to the rice mixture. This colorful variation provides additional vitamins and makes the dish even more satisfying.

Storage and Serving

Forgotten Chicken and Rice makes excellent leftovers! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little chicken broth over the rice before microwaving to restore moisture, or reheat covered in a 325°F oven until warmed through.

For freezing, portion the cooled casserole into individual servings and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Serve this comforting dish with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a complete meal. For a special touch, offer warm dinner rolls on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. This casserole also pairs beautifully with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans to round out the meal.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, bone-in chicken provides more flavor and moisture. If using boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time by about 15 minutes and check frequently to prevent drying out.

Why is my rice still crunchy?
Undercooked rice usually means either insufficient liquid or cooking time. Make sure you’re using the full amount of broth called for and that your foil is sealed tightly during the first cooking phase to trap steam. Some ovens may require additional cooking time.

Can I make this with brown rice instead?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Increase the broth to 3 cups and expect to add about 20-25 minutes to the total cooking time.

Is it necessary to use both types of cream soup?
The combination provides the best flavor, but you can use two cans of either soup if that’s what you have on hand. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the Forgotten Chicken and Rice up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, covered. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a one-pan wonder that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas while practically cooking itself. It’s the kind of dish that rescues busy weeknights and still manages to gather everyone around the table with smiles. The simplicity of preparation paired with the complex flavors that develop in the oven make this recipe truly special. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for meals with excellent leftovers, this forgotten classic deserves a permanent place in your recipe collection.

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