Forgotten Chicken & Rice Bake: The Ultimate Set-and-Forget Comfort Dinner

There’s something magical about a dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. The Forgotten Chicken & Rice Bake is exactly that kind of recipe — a beloved classic that’s been passed down through generations of home cooks who understood the beauty of simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and about five minutes of prep time, you can create a creamy, tender, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself.

The name “forgotten” comes from the cooking method: you simply assemble everything in one dish, slide it into the oven, and forget about it for an hour. No stirring, no checking, no fussing. Just pure, hands-off magic that results in perfectly cooked chicken nestled over buttery, creamy rice that’s absorbed all those wonderful flavors.

This recipe has been a weeknight hero for busy families since the 1950s, and it’s experiencing a well-deserved resurgence today. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something warm and satisfying without the cleanup hassle, this one-dish wonder delivers every single time.

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings

What Makes This Recipe Special

The genius of Forgotten Chicken & Rice lies in its layered cooking technique. As the dish bakes covered, the rice slowly absorbs the liquid from the cream soups and broth, becoming tender and flavorful. Meanwhile, the chicken releases its natural juices, which mingle with the onion soup seasoning and butter to create an incredibly savory sauce. The result is chicken so tender it practically falls apart, sitting atop rice that’s creamy without being mushy — each grain perfectly cooked and coated in rich, golden goodness.

This dish also happens to be wonderfully forgiving. Using chicken breasts? They’ll stay moist thanks to the steamy environment. Prefer thighs? They’ll become even more succulent and flavorful. The covered baking method ensures nothing dries out, making this recipe nearly foolproof even for beginner cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the base:

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1½ cups water or chicken broth
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• Optional: black pepper or paprika for garnish

Ingredient notes:

The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups creates a perfectly balanced flavor base that’s both savory and slightly earthy. If you only have one type on hand, you can use two cans of the same variety — the dish will still be delicious.

Long-grain white rice works best here because it holds its shape and texture during the long baking time. Avoid instant rice, which will turn mushy, and brown rice, which won’t cook through in the allotted time.

The dry onion soup mix is the secret weapon that adds depth, umami, and that classic savory flavor we all crave. It contains dehydrated onions, salt, and various seasonings that infuse the entire dish as it bakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your oven and dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the rice from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.

Step 2: Create the rice layer

Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s distributed in an even layer — this ensures uniform cooking. The rice will expand significantly as it absorbs liquid, so don’t worry if it looks sparse at first.

Step 3: Mix the creamy base

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water or chicken broth until smooth and well combined. This mixture should be pourable but still thick and creamy. If you’re using chicken broth instead of water (highly recommended!), you’ll add an extra layer of savory depth to the final dish.

Step 4: Pour over rice

Pour the soup mixture evenly over the rice layer, making sure to cover all the rice. Use a spoon to gently spread it if needed, but don’t stir — keeping the rice in an even layer on the bottom is key to proper cooking.

Step 5: Arrange the chicken

Place your chicken pieces on top of the rice and soup mixture. You can arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if needed to fit. If using chicken breasts, try to choose pieces that are similar in size for even cooking. Season the tops lightly with a pinch of black pepper if desired.

Step 6: Add the seasoning and butter

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken pieces. Don’t skip this step — it’s what gives the dish its signature savory flavor. Then dot the surface with small pieces of butter, distributing them evenly across the chicken. As the butter melts, it will create little pockets of richness throughout the dish.

Step 7: The crucial baking step

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, crimping the edges to create a good seal. This trapped steam is essential for cooking the rice properly and keeping the chicken moist. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and set your timer for exactly one hour.

Here’s the hard part: don’t open the oven. Don’t peek. Don’t check. The trapped steam and consistent temperature are what make this recipe work. Opening the oven releases heat and steam, which can result in unevenly cooked rice or dry chicken.

Step 8: Finish and serve

After one hour, remove the dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!). The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the rice should be tender with all the liquid absorbed. Gently fluff the rice around the chicken with a fork, being careful not to break up the chicken pieces. If desired, sprinkle with paprika for color or freshly cracked black pepper for a bit of heat.

Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving — this allows any remaining moisture to be absorbed and makes serving easier.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Broth over water: Always choose chicken broth over water when you have the option. The added flavor makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Enhance with aromatics: For an extra flavor boost, add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried thyme to the soup mixture before pouring it over the rice.

Check chicken size: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick (over 1 inch), consider butterflying them or pounding them to an even thickness to ensure they cook through in the allotted time.

Make it creamy: For an even creamier result, replace ½ cup of the water or broth with heavy cream or half-and-half.

Vegetable additions: While not traditional, you can add frozen peas, diced carrots, or green beans to the rice layer for a complete one-dish meal.

Crispy top option: If you prefer a slightly crispy, golden top on your chicken, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Storage and Reheating

This dish stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions with a damp paper towel on top.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The beauty of Forgotten Chicken & Rice Bake lies in its foolproof technique. The covered baking method creates a sealed environment where steam builds up, cooking the rice evenly while keeping the chicken incredibly moist. The cream soups act as both liquid for cooking the rice and a sauce base, while the onion soup mix provides concentrated seasoning that permeates every bite. It’s a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients, when combined correctly, can create something truly comforting and delicious.

This is the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again — on busy weeknights when you need dinner on autopilot, for potlucks where you need something crowd-pleasing, or simply when you’re craving the warm, nostalgic flavors of classic home cooking. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been a cherished recipe for generations.