Prepare to fall in love with Amazing Forgotten Chicken, the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself while filling your kitchen with the incredible aroma that only a creamy, one-pan chicken bake can deliver! With minimal prep required, you simply layer up a handful of pantry staples, pop everything in the oven, and literally forget about it while the magic happens. The result is impossibly juicy chicken nestled in creamy, savory rice — all with golden edges and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that has made Amazing Forgotten Chicken a family favorite for generations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts of making Amazing Forgotten Chicken is how each ingredient, simple as it may seem on its own, brings just the right amount of flavor, texture, or richness to the dish. There’s nothing fancy here, just reliable ingredients joining forces to create something truly spectacular.
- Uncooked long-grain white rice: This forms the tender base, soaking up all those luscious juices as it bakes.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and a comforting, silky texture to the sauce.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings a subtle earthiness and extra creaminess that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Water: Helps cook the rice evenly and stretches the creamy mixture just enough.
- Dry onion soup mix: The secret source of deep, savory flavor and a bit of color on top.
- Garlic powder: Enhances everything with a warm, aromatic lift.
- Black pepper: Lends gentle heat and balances the creamy flavors.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for either lean slices or extra-juicy bites.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking, especially around the edges.
- Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh pop of color and brightness, perfect for serving.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give a 9×13-inch baking dish a light but thorough mist of nonstick cooking spray. This little step is your insurance policy for easy serving later and helps create those irresistible golden brown edges.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Rice Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, dry onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir everything until beautifully blended. Don’t overthink it — the mixture should look creamy and well mixed, ready to transform in the oven.
Step 3: Layer and Nestle the Chicken
Pour your creamy rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Arrange your chicken breasts or thighs directly on top, pressing them down just enough so they snuggle a bit into the creamy rice. This helps the chicken soak up flavor and cook evenly, while giving you that classic Amazing Forgotten Chicken top layer.
Step 4: Cover and Bake to Perfection
Tightly cover the entire dish with aluminum foil, sealing it well at the edges. Slide it into your preheated oven and let it bake for a full 1 hour and 30 minutes — no peeking, stirring, or fussing! Trust the process: the rice will drink in every ounce of flavor, and the chicken will turn out fork-tender.
Step 5: Rest, Then Garnish
Once the timer dings, remove your Amazing Forgotten Chicken from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. This short rest gives the rice a chance to finish softening and soak up the saucy layer. When ready to serve, lift the foil, sprinkle over some fresh chopped parsley if you like, and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is always welcome on Amazing Forgotten Chicken, adding a touch of color and a subtle hint of brightness. If you want to get fancy, a few thinly sliced green onions or a dusting of paprika can give your casserole a little extra flair. Even a squeeze of lemon just before serving can lift the creamy flavors beautifully!
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or steamed veggie like broccoli, green beans, or roasted carrots makes a delightful, vibrant contrast to the rich chicken and rice. Warm dinner rolls or a simple biscuit are classic for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
While Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a natural on the family table, you can make it party-ready by serving it in individual ramekins for a chic, mini version. For potlucks, ladle hearty scoops into small bowls with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or top with crunchy fried onions for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amazing Forgotten Chicken stores beautifully in the fridge. Simply cool any remaining chicken and rice, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen with a day of rest, making leftovers even more tempting!
Freezing
To freeze, portion out cooled Amazing Forgotten Chicken into freezer-friendly containers. Seal well and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen, adding a splash of broth if the rice seems a bit dry.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout. If the rice needs a moisture boost, drizzle in a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth and cover while reheating to maintain the creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice isn’t a perfect swap for this recipe, since it takes much longer to cook and may not soften fully in the given time. For best results, stick to long-grain white rice, or try parboiled rice if you want a little more bite.
Can I add vegetables to Amazing Forgotten Chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or chopped bell peppers along with the rice mixture. Just make sure any vegetables are cut small to cook through evenly with the rice.
Will this work with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are fantastic in Amazing Forgotten Chicken and yield an even juicier, more flavorful result. Just use equal amounts and bake as directed.
Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake. Allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats, then bake as directed.
How do I know when the chicken and rice are fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the rice should be tender and creamy. If you peek under the foil and notice a little extra liquid, a short rest and gentle stirring usually help absorb it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a one-dish meal that’s guaranteed to win over both kids and adults, Amazing Forgotten Chicken is the recipe you need on repeat. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant classic in your kitchen too!
