A classic one-pan comfort meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked over seasoned rice in a creamy onion-flavored sauce. The dish gets its name because once it’s assembled and placed in the oven, you can largely “forget” about it until it’s done.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 pounds)
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 packet (about 1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
• 1½ cups water
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cup

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

3. Add the Rice

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

4. Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice in a single layer.

5. Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Water

Mix until smooth and well combined.

6. Assemble

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.

7. Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the entire dish.

8. Cover and Bake

Cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.

Important: Do not remove the foil during baking. Keeping the dish sealed helps the rice cook properly and keeps the chicken moist.

9. Check Doneness

Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

10. Serve

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Fluff the rice gently and serve the chicken over the flavorful rice.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving (1 chicken breast with rice):

• Calories: 400–450
• Protein: 35–40g
• Carbohydrates: 30–35g
• Fat: 10–15g
• Saturated Fat: 3–5g
• Sodium: 800–1200mg
• Fiber: 1–2g
• Sugar: 1–3g

Values vary depending on specific brands used.

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Allergen & Nut Information

Nut Information

Contains Nuts?

No nuts are included in the original recipe.

Tree Nut & Peanut Status

• Peanuts: Not included
• Tree nuts: Not included

Cross-Contamination Warning

Always check ingredient labels, especially:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Dry onion soup mix

Some manufacturers process foods in facilities that also handle peanuts or tree nuts.

Other Common Allergens

This recipe may contain:

For allergy-sensitive diets, review all ingredient labels carefully.

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Tips for Success

Use Long-Grain Rice

Long-grain white rice cooks best in this recipe. Instant rice is not recommended.

Keep It Covered

A tight foil seal is essential for properly cooking the rice.

Add Vegetables

You can add:

• Sliced mushrooms
• Frozen peas
• Carrots
• Green beans

Make It Creamier

Add:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup cream cheese

to the soup mixture.

Extra Flavor

Season chicken with:

• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Paprika

before assembling.

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Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes
• Oven: 325°F (163°C) for 15–20 minutes

Add a splash of water or broth if the rice seems dry.

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Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use brown rice?

A: Yes, but increase the liquid by about ½ cup and the baking time by 20–30 minutes.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?

A: Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well and often stay even more tender.

Q: Why is my rice still hard?

A: The dish may not have been sealed tightly enough with foil, or the oven temperature may be running low.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup?

A: Yes. A homemade cream sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk can replace the canned soup.

Q: Can I add cheese?

A: Yes. Sprinkle 1–2 cups shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Not usually. Most canned soups and onion soup mixes contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free alternatives if needed.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A: Use a meat thermometer. The thickest part of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).

Q: Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?

A: Because it requires minimal preparation and cooks unattended in the oven, making it a convenient “set it and forget it” meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Garden salad
• Steamed broccoli
• Roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls
• Cranberry sauce
• Green beans

Enjoy this creamy, comforting family favorite! 🍗🍚