Some dishes earn their place in our meal rotations by being effortlessly reliable, and this easy oven-baked chicken and rice dish—often dubbed “Forgotten Chicken”—is one of those timeless treasures. With minimal prep and maximum comfort, it’s the kind of meal you can assemble quickly and let the oven do the rest. Perfect for busy nights, lazy Sundays, or when you just don’t want to deal with a pile of pots and pans, this one-pan wonder delivers both flavor and convenience in one cozy casserole.
The magic happens when the uncooked rice slowly soaks up the creamy soup mixture, resulting in a tender, savory base that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken breasts. The onion soup mix on top creates a flavorful crust, giving each bite just the right amount of punch. It’s one of those meals that feels like it came from grandma’s kitchen—simple, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
Whether you’re feeding the family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this dish is flexible. Add vegetables, swap in brown rice, or switch up the soup bases to suit your taste. The ease of this recipe is what makes it unforgettable.
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 packet onion soup mix
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
Pour half of the mixture over the rice.
Place chicken breasts on top of the rice layer, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring everything is well-covered.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
For a golden, slightly crisp top, remove the foil for the final 15 minutes of baking.
Garnish with chopped parsley just before serving, if desired.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
This dish is filling and protein-rich thanks to the chicken breast and rice base. The creamy soups add indulgent flavor and texture but also increase sodium levels, so those watching their salt intake may want to use low-sodium alternatives. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that pairs well with steamed vegetables for balance. Gluten-free versions are possible with appropriate soup substitutes.
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