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Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.8 from 140 reviews

This comforting and easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole combines tender chicken breasts, flavorful rice, and creamy soups baked together for a hearty, one-pan meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep and delivers a delicious blend of savory flavors with an optional cheesy topping for added richness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) water
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix

Optional Topping

  • Shredded cheese (optional, amount to preference)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
  2. Mix Soups and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water (measured using the empty soup can), and Minute rice. Stir well until everything is fully mixed and the rice is coated.
  3. Assemble in Pan: Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Arrange the raw chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer.
  4. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to add a burst of savory onion flavor.
  5. Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
  6. Optional Cheese Topping: If desired, uncover the casserole and sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a melted, cheesy finish.
  7. Rest and Serve: Once cooking is complete, let the casserole stand uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken slightly before serving directly from the pan.

Notes

  • Minute rice is pre-cooked rice that cooks faster; you can substitute with long-grain rice but may need to increase baking time.
  • Using foil to cover helps retain moisture and ensures chicken stays juicy.
  • The optional cheese topping can be any melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend depending on your preference.
  • Letting the casserole rest before serving allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid for better texture.
  • This dish can be customized with additional vegetables like peas or mushrooms if desired.

Keywords: chicken and rice casserole, one pan meal, easy dinner, baked chicken, comfort food