If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the magic of a one-dish wonder, and that’s exactly what the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe brings to your table. It’s that kind of dinner where you toss everything together, pop it in the oven, and then… forget about it. Lots of us have busy evenings where peeling off layers of complicated cooking just isn’t an option, and this casserole feels like a warm hug when you finally get home.

This recipe is special because it’s simple yet packed with cozy flavors that remind me of those classic family dinners without the fuss. The creamy mix of soups plus the savory onion soup mix creates this rich sauce that keeps the chicken juicy and the rice tender. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this in your rotation for those nights when you need comfort food that practically makes itself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything here works in perfect harmony to create that nostalgic, creamy casserole we all crave. When you shop, try to find good-quality diced chicken breasts and your preferred type of rice – whether it’s white for a quicker cook or brown for more texture.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
Minute rice (white or brown): Minute rice is a time-saver here, but if you want something heartier, brown rice works beautifully, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Cream of chicken soup: This adds that rich, creamy base. Using canned soup keeps it simple without sacrificing flavor.
Cream of mushroom soup: Adds depth and earthiness, complementing the chicken and onion flavors.
Water: Mixed with the soups, it helps cook the rice and keeps everything moist.
Butter: A tablespoon gives the dish a silky finish and rich taste, just like grandma’s cooking.
Lipton onion soup mix: This is the secret weapon — it brings a punch of savory flavor that makes this casserole so unforgettable.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe many times, and one of my favorite things is how flexible it is to make your own. Whether you want something lighter, veg-friendly, or more indulgent, it’s easy to tweak.

Adding veggies: I’ve tossed in frozen peas or chopped broccoli, which add color and nutrients without changing the cooking time much.
Using turkey instead of chicken: Great way to use holiday leftovers and still enjoy the same flavors.
Substituting cream of celery soup: For a little different flavor profile, I sometimes swap mushroom for celery soup — gives it a subtle fresh twist.
Going dairy-free: Try using a non-dairy cream soup alternative and a vegan butter substitute, works surprisingly well for a plant-based spin.
Spicing it up: A dash of cayenne or smoked paprika adds warmth and smoky complexity, perfect if you want a little kick.

How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, slice the chicken breasts into even chunks. In your casserole dish, mix together the canned soups, water, and the Lipton onion soup mix until it’s a smooth sauce. Now, scatter the rice evenly over the bottom, then place the chicken pieces on top. Pour the sauce mixture over everything — don’t stir it in too much, just let it gently cover the layers to cook perfectly. Finally, dot the top with small pieces of butter for that golden finish.

Step 2: Bake and Forget

This is where the “forgotten” part truly shines. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to keep moisture locked in, then bake it for about 45 minutes. Resist the urge to peek frequently — you want the rice to absorb all those lovely juices and cook evenly. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes uncovered to get a slight golden top. Your kitchen will smell amazing by now!

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or green onions right before serving. It brightens up the casserole and adds a fresh layer of flavor and color that makes it inviting on the plate. Sometimes, a little sprinkle of shredded cheddar on top right after baking is a winner too, especially with kids.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this casserole, balancing the creaminess. Roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus also make excellent sides — I often bake them alongside the casserole for convenience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family dinner, I sometimes serve the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe straight from the casserole dish on the table, encouraging everyone to dig in and share stories. For a dinner party, you can scoop servings into individual ramekins and garnish with a little microgreens or edible flowers for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover casserole in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. When I reheat, the dish retains its creaminess nicely, just sometimes I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you prep it ahead but haven’t baked yet — just cover it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap. When you want to serve it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake a little longer than usual to make sure the rice cooks through.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until hot and bubbly, usually 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. This method keeps the texture from drying out, unlike microwaving which can sometimes make it a bit uneven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen for this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces so they cook evenly with the rice mixture. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before assembling to avoid extra liquid affecting the casserole’s texture.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you’ll need to swap out the cream of chicken and mushroom soups with certified gluten-free versions and use gluten-free onion soup mix. Also, double-check that your Minute rice and any other components are labeled gluten-free to ensure the entire dish is safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this casserole in a slow cooker?

You can, but I recommend adjusting liquid amounts since slow cookers retain moisture differently. If you try it, add the soups, water, and seasonings in the same way but keep an eye on the rice’s texture as you cook. It might take a bit of trial and error, but it’s doable!
How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using brown Minute rice for added fiber and lean chicken breasts without skin. You can also reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium soup options or making your own cream sauces from scratch. Adding veggies into the mix is a great way to boost nutrition and volume without extra calories.
What’s the best way to know when the rice is perfectly cooked?

After baking with the foil covered for 45 minutes, check the rice by gently lifting a corner of the casserole and tasting it. The grains should be tender and fully cooked but not mushy. If it needs a few more minutes, cover again and bake until done to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those gems that always surprises me with how delicious and fuss-free it is. It really is the kind of meal that welcomes you home after a long day, filling the kitchen with comforting aromas and your belly with warmth. I genuinely hope you give it a try—you might just find your new go-to easy dinner that everyone asks for again and again. Happy cooking, and here’s to those tasty “forgotten” dinners that turn into lasting favorites!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 126 reviews

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting and easy-to-make casserole recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups, flavorful onion soup mix, and fluffy instant rice. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a creamy, savory dish baked to perfection with minimal effort.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)

Soup and Flavorings

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can to measure)
1 tbsp butter
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly in the dish.
Mix Soups and Flavorings: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and the can of water. Stir in the Lipton onion soup mix until well blended.
Combine with Rice: Add the 2 cups of Minute rice to the soup mixture and stir until the rice is evenly coated.
Pour Mixture Over Chicken: Spread the rice and soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the casserole dish. Dot the top with 1 tablespoon of butter spread out evenly.
Bake the Dish: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour. The chicken should be cooked through and the rice tender.
Final Touch and Serve: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to lightly brown the top if desired. After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Use white or brown Minute rice according to preference; cooking times and texture may vary slightly.
Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
This dish can be prepared in advance by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready.
For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or vegetables into the mixture before baking.
If using brown instant rice, you may need to add a bit more water and increase baking time slightly.

Keywords: chicken casserole, easy dinner, baked chicken and rice, creamy chicken recipe, comforting meal