The Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a cozy, comforting dish that has quietly stood the test of time in countless kitchens. This hearty casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, creamy soups, and a touch of cheese, making it the ultimate one-dish meal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Its simple ingredients come together effortlessly to create layers of warm, savory flavors that feel like a big hug on a plate. If you’re looking for a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare but bursting with nostalgia and taste, this recipe is your new best friend.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe so special is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet how each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and flavor. Every item from the creamy soups to the seasoning adds a comforting familiarity while inviting endless customization possibilities.
- 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use chicken thighs if you want a juicier, more flavorful alternative.
- 2 cups Instant Rice: Instant rice cooks perfectly in the casserole, unlike regular rice which can become undercooked.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich moisture and a savory base to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup: Provides depth and a luscious umami kick; cream of cheddar swaps in nicely for a cheesy twist.
- 1 can Water: Measured with the empty soup can to keep ratios perfect for cooking the rice.
- 1 envelope Onion Soup Mix: This adds a burst of flavor and seasoning without extra fuss; you can make your own with dried minced onion, beef bouillon, and garlic if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon Butter: Used for greasing the baking dish so your casserole won’t stick and gets a delicate buttery touch.
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkled on near the end for that irresistible golden, melty finish.
- 1–2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables: A simple way to boost nutrition, color, and add a nice texture contrast.
- Spices (black pepper, garlic powder, paprika): Sprinkled to enhance the flavor profile subtly but effectively.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C), which is the ideal temperature to slowly cook the rice and chicken evenly. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly; this not only prevents sticking but subtly infuses a buttery aroma into the edges of your casserole, making every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Mix the Soups, Rice, and Water
In a large bowl, combine both cans of creamy soups with the water and instant rice. This mixture forms a luscious base that tenderizes the chicken as it bakes. Mixing this thoroughly is key to ensuring every spoonful has even flavor and that the rice cooks just right, soaking up all the savory goodness.
Step 3: Customize with Vegetables and Cheese
At this stage, stir in frozen mixed vegetables if using, folding them gently into the rice mixture so they distribute evenly without browning prematurely. If you prefer, you can also preserve the cheese for a golden topping instead of mixing it in here.
Step 4: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings
Pour the rice mixture into your buttered dish and spread it out evenly. Nestle the chicken breasts on top—if they’re thick, butterfly them to ensure they bake thoroughly. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly atop the chicken for a burst of savory flavor that’s both aromatic and tasty. Finally, dust on your chosen spices to personalize the flavor further.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake undisturbed for 60 minutes. This covered baking is the secret to perfectly cooked rice that’s fluffy and chicken that’s tender and juicy. Patience here truly rewards you with a casserole that feels like it’s been slow-cooked with care.
Step 6: Finish Baking and Add Cheese
After one hour, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice. Pop the dish back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes to let the cheese melt and form a beautiful, bubbly crust. For a little extra browning, finish with 3–5 minutes under the broiler but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Allow your casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes once out of the oven. This resting period lets the moisture settle, making the dish easier to cut and serve while allowing the flavors to meld into incredible harmony.
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich, creamy layers of this casserole. A pinch of paprika dusted on top can also elevate the presentation and add a gentle warmth to each bite.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is wonderfully hearty on its own, light sides work best. Consider a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon. These sides add a refreshing crunch and balance the comforting richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next gathering, serve the casserole straight from a beautiful ceramic dish paired with rustic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, individual ramekins can make for adorable single servings that feel special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great candidate for saving some for the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. The flavors even deepen with time, making your next meal feel like a treat.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and covering it tightly. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it cooks through fully without drying out.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to keep moisture locked in. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered loosely with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway through for even warmth. Adding a splash of chicken broth before reheating helps restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use fresh rice instead of instant rice?
Instant rice is key for this recipe because it cooks quickly and evenly in the casserole. Fresh or regular rice may not cook properly during the baking time and could result in a crunchy or undercooked texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant, and replace the soups with vegetarian or mushroom-based cream soups. Use vegetable broth instead of water to add flavor.
What can I use instead of onion soup mix?
If you don’t have a packet on hand, blend equal parts dried minced onion, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, and garlic powder to create a quick DIY mix that works just as well.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and no longer looks pink inside. Baking covered for 60 minutes usually achieves this, but using a meat thermometer is the best way to be sure.
Can I add fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Fresh vegetables can be added, but choose ones that cook at roughly the same rate as the rice, such as diced onions, bell peppers, or carrots. Chop them small and consider sautéing lightly first to ensure they soften properly during baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a hearty, fuss-free meal that feels like a treasured family secret, the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy, comforting, and comes together with simple pantry staples. Give it a try, and soon enough, it’ll become one of your most beloved go-to recipes for cozy dinners and happy leftovers.
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting baked casserole combining tender chicken breasts with creamy soups, instant rice, and a medley of flavors from onion soup mix and spices. This easy-to-make one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with vegetables and cheese for added nutrition and taste.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (Substitute with chicken thighs for added flavor)
Carbohydrates & Grains
- 2 cups Instant Rice (Regular rice won’t cook properly)
Soups & Liquids
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken Soup (Consider cream of celery for a lighter option)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Mushroom Soup (Can swap for cream of cheddar)
- 1 can Water (Use the empty soup can for measurement)
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 envelope Onion Soup Mix (Or a DIY mix with dried minced onion, beef bouillon, and garlic)
- Spices: black pepper, garlic powder, paprika (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (For greasing the baking dish)
- 1–2 cups Frozen Mixed Vegetables (Optional, boosts nutrition and flavor)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional, sprinkle on in the last 10 minutes)
Instructions
- Casserole Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and aid browning.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and instant rice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Arrange Mixture: Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly as the casserole base.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: If using, add frozen mixed vegetables and partially sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure they are nestled under where the chicken will be placed.
- Place Chicken: Position the raw chicken breasts on top of the mixture in a single layer. For thicker pieces, butterfly the chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to infuse them with savory flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake for 60 minutes without lifting the foil to allow the rice to cook properly and chicken to become tender.
- Optional Broil: After baking, remove the foil and check if the chicken is thoroughly cooked (juices run clear). For a browned top, broil the casserole uncovered for 3–5 minutes but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes outside the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Using instant rice is essential as regular rice does not cook through in this recipe.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
- You can substitute cream of celery or cream of cheddar soups for variety and calorie adjustments.
- Butter the baking dish well to avoid sticking and to help achieve a golden crust.
- Do not lift the foil during baking to ensure the rice cooks evenly through steam.
- Add frozen vegetables under the chicken to boost nutritional value without altering cooking times significantly.
- Check chicken doneness by cutting into the thickest part or using a meat thermometer (165°F / 74°C).
- If broiling, watch carefully as cheese and chicken skin can burn quickly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
