This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a cozy, no-fuss oven dish that yields comforting, flavorful results with very little hands-on time. The rice bakes in a creamy broth made from chicken stock and a can of cream of chicken soup, so the texture comes out tender and slightly creamy, with a light crust on top when you remove the foil. The aroma is warm and savory, with gentle notes of garlic and onion powder and a faint herbal lift from dried parsley. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, simple family dinners, or when you want a satisfying one-dish meal with minimal prep. It is especially forgiving for home cooks who appreciate set-it-and-forget-it cooking and pairs nicely with a simple green side or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

• 2 cups regular long-grain white rice, the base of the dish that will absorb the liquids and become tender.
• 3 cups chicken broth, provides savory flavor and cooking liquid for the rice.
• 1 cup water, used with the broth to give the rice the right cooking ratio.
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, adds creaminess and body to the rice and sauce.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder, gives a warm garlic note without adding fresh garlic.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder, lends a mellow onion flavor throughout the rice.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, provides a gentle, savory heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, adds a subtle herb finish and color.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
2. In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, water, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Stir well so the rice is evenly distributed and the soup breaks up into the liquids. A rubber spatula helps scrape the bottom of the can and fold ingredients together.
3. Place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Gently press the pieces slightly into the rice so they make contact with the liquid. Do not stir the rice after adding the chicken.
4. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 1 hour. The cover traps steam and allows the rice to cook through while the chicken begins to cook.
5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender and any excess liquid is absorbed or evaporated. If the chicken skin is present, this uncovered time will help it brown slightly.
6. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven, then serve warm.

Cooking tip: If your oven runs hot, check at the earlier end of the time range to avoid drying out the rice.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes including resting time
• Servings: About 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving, estimated based on the listed ingredients and not including any chicken pieces added on top

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips
  • Use a wide, shallow baking dish so the rice cooks evenly. A 9×13 inch dish works well.
  • Do not lift the foil during the covered baking time, this preserves steam and ensures even cooking.
  • Let the finished dish rest for a few minutes to let the rice finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
• Storage
  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freezing
  • Cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Flavor variations using only the existing ingredients
  • For a more pronounced garlic flavor, increase the garlic powder to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • For a deeper savory base, use all chicken broth and omit the cup of water.
  • For a milder finish, reduce black pepper to 1/4 teaspoon and add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of dried parsley for color.

FAQ

Q: Can I use instant rice instead of regular long-grain rice?
A: No, follow the recipe using regular long-grain white rice, because cooking times and liquid ratios differ.

Q: Do I need to rinse the rice before using it?
A: Rinsing is optional; rinsing removes surface starch and can make the rice a bit less sticky.

Q: What temperature should the chicken reach to be safe?
A: Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Q: Can I bake this in a covered casserole dish with a lid instead of foil?
A: Yes, a tight-fitting lid will also trap steam and work similarly.

Q: Will the rice be very creamy or separate grains?
A: The rice will be tender and slightly creamy from the soup and broth, but you should still see individual grains.

People Also Ask

Q: How long does Forgotten Chicken and Rice need in the oven?
A: Total covered and uncovered baking time is about 1 hour 15 to 20 minutes.

Q: Is cream of chicken soup necessary for texture?
A: Yes, it adds creaminess and thickens the cooking liquid for a richer rice texture.

Q: Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
A: Yes, low-sodium broth works well, and you can adjust black pepper to taste.

Q: Should the baking dish be covered for the entire time?
A: Cover it for the first hour, then uncover for 15 to 20 minutes to finish cooking and brown the top.

Q: How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
A: Use the listed rice and liquid amounts and avoid overcooking beyond the suggested times.

Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: You can assemble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking, but extend covered baking time slightly if cold from the fridge.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, it reheats well and stores for several days in the refrigerator.

Q: What side dishes go well with this?
A: Simple steamed vegetables or a green salad complement the dish without extra work.

Conclusion

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting, simple dish that delivers creamy rice and savory flavors with minimal effort. If you want a reference for the classic concept, see the original Forgotten Chicken inspiration on 12 Tomatoes. For another take on the same idea, you may enjoy the version at AMAZING FORGOTTEN CHICKEN on 100K Recipes. Try this recipe tonight, then share how it turned out for your family and what small tweaks you used, and enjoy a cozy meal.