Alright, let’s be real—there are some recipes that feel fancy and fussy, and then there are the ones we come back to again and again because they’re just so darn easy. Forgotten Chicken falls squarely into that second category. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” dish, and honestly, the name says it all. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you’ve got a million things on your plate (pun intended) but still want something warm, hearty, and downright delicious for dinner.
In this post, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make Forgotten Chicken, from the essential ingredients to some fun twists that’ll make it your own. Plus, I’ve thrown in links to some other great comfort food ideas, like this creamy Rotisserie Chicken Casserole or the ultimate Million Dollar Chicken Casserole if you’re in the mood to try something new.
What is Forgotten Chicken?
Forgotten Chicken isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver. At its core, it’s a simple baked dish of chicken, rice, and a creamy soup base that practically cooks itself. Why’s it called “Forgotten Chicken,” you ask? Because once you pop it in the oven, you can literally forget about it until it’s done. No stirring, no checking, no stress.
This dish has been a favorite in American kitchens for decades, and for good reason. It’s affordable, filling, and so easy that even kitchen newbies can pull it off without breaking a sweat.
Pro Tip: Leftovers can be a lifesaver, but ensuring freshness is key. Not sure if your rotisserie chicken is safe to eat? Learn how to tell if rotisserie chicken has gone bad before taking a risk.
Why Forgotten Chicken is Perfect for Busy Days
If you’re juggling work, kids, and life in general, Forgotten Chicken is the answer to your dinner dilemma. Here’s why:
- Minimal Prep Time: Seriously, you can throw this together in 10 minutes flat. It’s like the lazy cook’s dream come true.
- One-Pan Wonder: Forget about a sink full of dishes. Everything bakes in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Make It Your Own: Add veggies, swap out soups, or sprinkle in your favorite seasonings. It’s like a blank canvas for dinner.
- Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love this stuff. Pair it with a side of Creamy Cucumber Salad or Homemade Sweet Potato Pies for a complete meal.
Key Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken
The magic of Forgotten Chicken lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken: The Star of the Show
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to for this dish, but thighs work just as well if you prefer a richer flavor. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Check out these ideas for Jazzing It Up or repurpose it here for a twist.
Creamy Soup Base
The OG recipe calls for cream of chicken soup, but cream of mushroom or even celery soup works if that’s what you’ve got in the pantry. For dairy-free or healthier swaps, check out Substitutes for Cream of Chicken Soup.
Rice: The Perfect Pairing
Long-grain white rice is the classic choice here, but you can use brown rice if you adjust the liquid and cooking time. Curious about the differences? Check out this deep dive into Rice Varieties and Techniques.
Step-by-Step Forgotten Chicken Recipe
This is where the magic happens, folks. Forgotten Chicken is all about layering simple ingredients, popping it in the oven, and letting time do its thing. Here’s how to whip it up, step by step.
Prepping the Ingredients
Grab your favorite 9×13 baking dish—glass, ceramic, or metal, all work fine. First, grease it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. Start by rinsing 1 cup of long-grain white rice and spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Why rinse? It helps keep the rice fluffy and prevents clumping. You don’t want sticky rice in this recipe, trust me!
Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth or water. If you want extra flavor, use broth and mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder. This creates a flavorful base for the rice to cook perfectly.
Assembly: Layering for Perfect Flavor
Lay the chicken breasts (about 4 pieces) directly on top of the rice. Season them with salt, pepper, and paprika for a nice smoky kick. For extra flair, sprinkle on some dried thyme or parsley—it’s like a little secret that makes the dish feel fancy (even though it’s not).
In a separate bowl, mix one can of cream of chicken soup with half a cup of milk. This creates a creamy sauce that will seep into the chicken and rice as it cooks. If you’re feeling adventurous, stir in a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for a hint of umami. Once combined, pour the mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Don’t stir—it’s important to leave the layers intact so everything cooks properly.
The “Forget It” Part: Low and Slow Cooking
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and ensures the rice cooks through without drying out. Pop it in the oven at 350°F and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Resist the urge to peek—opening the foil can release steam and mess up the cooking process.
Once the timer dings, carefully remove the foil and check if the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp is the magic number). If the rice seems a little underdone, cover it back up and give it another 10 minutes.
Pro Tip for Extra Crispy Chicken
If you like your chicken with a little golden-brown crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Pair this dish with some Smashed Cucumber Salad or Classic Southern Cornbread for a complete meal that’s sure to win over the whole family.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forgotten Chicken is a simple recipe, but even the easiest dishes can go sideways if you’re not careful. Let’s troubleshoot some common pitfalls so your meal turns out perfect every time.
Choosing the Wrong Baking Dish
The size and type of your baking dish matter more than you might think. A 9×13 dish is ideal because it allows the ingredients to spread out evenly. If your dish is too small, the rice may cook unevenly, leaving you with some mushy spots and some crunchy bits. Glass or ceramic dishes work best for even heat distribution, but a metal dish will do in a pinch.
Timing Is Everything
If the rice isn’t cooked or the chicken is dry, chances are it’s because the cooking time was off. Be sure to keep the foil tightly sealed to trap steam, which is what cooks the rice to perfection. If you’re using brown rice, remember to increase both the liquid and the cooking time (about 1 hour 45 minutes for brown rice).
Not Seasoning Enough
This is a big one! Chicken and rice can be pretty bland without the right seasoning. Be generous with salt, pepper, and whatever herbs or spices you love. Want a little kick? Add cayenne or smoked paprika. Feeling nostalgic? Sprinkle in a packet of onion soup mix—it’s an old-school trick that never fails.
Soggy or Underwhelming Rice
Forgetting to rinse the rice before cooking is a rookie mistake. Rinsing removes excess starch, which can turn your rice into a gluey mess. Also, make sure you measure the liquid carefully—too much broth, and you’ll end up with mush.
If you love rice-based dishes, you might enjoy this Cream of Mushroom Chicken and Rice Recipe for another comforting option.
Optional Add-Ins to Make It Your Own
Forgotten Chicken is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
- Veggies: Toss in some chopped carrots, celery, or frozen peas for added color and nutrition. Bell peppers and mushrooms are also great additions.
- Cheese: Who doesn’t love cheese? Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan on top during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a melty, gooey layer.
- Spices: Add some taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist or Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean vibe. The options are endless!
- Protein Swaps: If you’re out of chicken, try turkey breast or even pork chops. You could also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—just check out these Leftover Rotisserie Chicken Recipes for inspiration.
Tips for Serving Forgotten Chicken
Once your Forgotten Chicken is cooked to perfection, the fun part begins—serving it up! This dish is so versatile, you can pair it with all kinds of sides to create a complete, mouthwatering meal. Let’s dig into some ideas to make your dinner table shine.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
Forgotten Chicken is already a hearty dish, but a little variety on the plate never hurt anyone. Pair it with one or more of these crowd-pleasers:
- Vegetable Sides: Steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple garden salad balance out the creamy richness of the chicken and rice. If you’re feeling fancy, try this Spicy Cucumber Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Bread or Rolls: Serve with a warm slice of Southern Cornbread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Potatoes: For the carb lovers in your family, mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes make excellent companions. Sweet potato fans might also love this Classic Southern Sweet Potato Pie for dessert!
Leftover Magic: Repurposing Forgotten Chicken
Don’t let those leftovers sit in the fridge for days on end. Here are some creative ways to turn your extra Forgotten Chicken into something new:
- Chicken Wraps: Shred the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or hot sauce.
- Soup Starter: Dice up the chicken and toss it into a pot of broth with some extra rice or noodles to create a quick, hearty soup. Check out this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for inspiration.
- Chicken Casserole: Combine leftovers with extra cream of chicken soup, frozen veggies, and a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a quick baked casserole. This Chicken Dressing Casserole Recipe has a similar vibe and is worth a try.
If you’re not ready to use your leftovers right away, don’t sweat it. You can freeze Forgotten Chicken for up to three months. Check out these tips on Freezing Cooked Chicken for the best results.
FAQs About Forgotten Chicken
Absolutely, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. For this recipe, use 1 cup of brown rice and increase the broth or water to about 2.5 cups. You’ll also need to bake it for at least 1 hour and 45 minutes to ensure the rice is tender. Make sure to keep it tightly covered with foil throughout cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you need longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. For more details, check out these tips on Freezing Cooked Chicken.
You bet! Assemble the ingredients in your slow cooker just like you would in the baking dish. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked. This method is great for busy days when you don’t want to heat up the oven.
If you’re out of cream of chicken soup or want a dairy-free option, try using a mixture of chicken broth, unsweetened almond milk, and a thickener like cornstarch. For more ideas, check out Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup.
If your rice is mushy, it’s likely from too much liquid. On the flip side, undercooked rice means the dish didn’t have enough moisture or time to cook. Always measure your ingredients carefully, and keep the foil tightly sealed to trap steam.
Conclusion: Why Forgotten Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Rotation
Forgotten Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver for busy days and lazy nights. With minimal prep, simple ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish has you covered.
So, the next time you’re staring at your pantry wondering what’s for dinner, remember this gem. Pair it with comforting sides like Creamy Cucumber Salad or Southern Cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying.
Ready to get started? Pop this dish in the oven tonight—you’ll forget about the work, but you won’t forget how good it tastes!