Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Easy One-Pan Dinner for Busy Nights

What Is Forgotten Chicken?

The term forgotten chicken refers to a comforting, time-saving recipe that is cherished for its simplicity and irresistible flavor. This dish is an all-in-one meal that combines tender chicken, savory seasonings, and a creamy, flavorful base. Often paired with rice or potatoes, it has become a favorite in many households.

Its name stems from the fact that once the ingredients are prepared and placed in the oven, you can “forget” about it while it slowly bakes to perfection. This makes it ideal for busy cooks who need a low-maintenance yet satisfying dinner option.

Notably, forgotten chicken recipes are particularly popular among families and individuals seeking hearty meals with minimal effort. The dish requires only a few basic ingredients, including:

• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Onion soup mix
• Chicken thighs or breasts

When these ingredients come together, they create a dish that’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and endlessly versatile.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

The hallmark of this recipe is its remarkable versatility, making it suitable for a variety of tastes and preferences. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables, spices, or fresh herbs to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal or a leisurely Sunday dinner, forgotten chicken offers the perfect balance of comfort and practicality. It’s no wonder this dish has stood the test of time and continues to delight countless households.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe

---

• Author: Jake Miller
• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Forgotten Chicken is a simple, comforting dish that combines chicken, rice, and savory cream soups for a one-pot meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want a hearty, hassle-free dinner.

---

Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

Chicken: Opt for bone-in chicken thighs or breasts, as they retain moisture and flavor during the slow baking process.

Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy texture and enhances the dish’s savory profile.

Cream of Chicken Soup: Pairs perfectly with the mushroom soup for a rich base.

Onion Soup Mix: Delivers bold flavor with its blend of dried onions and spices.

Uncooked Rice: Long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs flavors beautifully.

Water or Chicken Broth: Keeps the dish moist and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite spices to enhance flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Variation

Vegetables: Carrots, peas, or green beans can add color, nutrition, and texture.

Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese makes the dish even creamier and indulgent.

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the dish cooks evenly and develops its signature rich flavor.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

Choose a large, deep baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil. Taking this step ensures the food doesn’t stick and simplifies cleanup afterward.

3. Layer the Rice

Evenly distribute the uncooked long-grain rice across the base of your baking dish. The rice will absorb all the flavors and serve as the perfect base.

4. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, combine:

Cream of mushroom soup

Cream of chicken soup

Water or chicken broth

Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Drizzle the mixture over the rice, making sure it’s spread uniformly.

5. Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any spices you prefer.

6. Add the Onion Soup Mix

Sprinkle a packet of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. This step adds a burst of flavor and ensures every bite is delicious.

7. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice and keep the chicken juicy. Transfer the dish to the oven and let it bake for an hour and a half. Avoid uncovering during this time.

8. Check for Doneness

After 90 minutes, remove the foil and check if the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)) and the rice is tender. If necessary, continue baking uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

• Customize with veggies like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
• Use bone-in chicken for more flavor and juiciness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the dish)
• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800-1000mg
• Fat: 15-18g
• Saturated Fat: 6-8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6-8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Protein: 30-35g
• Cholesterol: 70-90mg

Keywords: forgotten chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, one-pot meal, creamy chicken casserole, family dinner, chicken with rice recipe

Tips for Cooking Forgotten Chicken

Although forgotten chicken recipe is easy to prepare, a few tips can help you achieve even better results:

• Choose Bone-In Chicken: Bone-in cuts retain moisture during baking, ensuring juicy, flavorful meat.
• Stick to Long-Grain Rice: Avoid quick-cooking rice, which may become mushy.
• Season Well: While the onion soup mix adds plenty of flavor, additional spices like paprika or thyme can elevate the dish.
• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish ensures the chicken stays tender and the rice cooks perfectly.
• Incorporate Vegetables: Add carrots, peas, or broccoli to make it a one-dish meal.
• Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is fully cooked.

By following these tips, you’ll consistently achieve a delicious, crowd-pleasing meal.

Forgotten Chicken Variations

The forgotten chicken recipe is highly versatile, making it easy to customize. Here are some creative variations to try:

• Cheesy Forgotten Chicken: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top for a creamy finish.
• Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Vegetable-Loaded Version: Incorporate bell peppers, peas, or zucchini for a more nutrient-packed meal.
• Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon for a fresh, tangy twist.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Use fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fragrant flavor boost.

If you’re looking for another quick and delicious one-pan meal, try our One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe for a comforting and cheesy dinner option

Perfect Pairings for Forgotten Chicken

Pair this dish with complementary sides to create a well-rounded meal:

• Green Salad: Provides a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Steamed Vegetables: Adds a healthy, colorful element.
• Garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish, ideal for savoring the rich, creamy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Enhances the comforting nature of the dish.

Not sure what to pair with your next soup night? Check out our guide on What to Serve with Taco Soup for side dishes that perfectly complement hearty meals like this one.

Forgotten Chicken for Special Occasions

While the forgotten chicken recipe is known for its simplicity and convenience, it can easily be elevated to suit special occasions. With a few thoughtful additions and presentation tweaks, this comforting dish can become a standout centerpiece for gatherings, celebrations, or holidays.

Why Forgotten Chicken Works for Special Events

1. With its straightforward preparation, this dish lets you relax or handle other tasks while it cooks to perfection.
2. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich, creamy taste appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a reliable choice for guests.
3. Customizable Presentation: By using garnishes and elegant plating, you can transform its humble appearance into a visually appealing dish.

Tips for Special Occasion Enhancements

1. Upgrade the Ingredients
   • Use premium-quality chicken, such as free-range or organic cuts, for better flavor and texture.
   • Substitute regular soups with homemade cream-based alternatives for a gourmet touch.
2. Incorporate Sophisticated Flavors
   • Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives over the finished dish for color and flavor.
3. Serve in Style
   • Present the dish in a large, elegant baking dish or transfer portions to individual serving plates.
   • Garnish with roasted vegetables or a side of wild rice pilaf to elevate the meal.
4. Pair Thoughtfully
   • Accompany the dish with sides like garlic-roasted asparagus, a citrus salad, or artisan bread to create a complete, upscale dining experience.
5. Make It a Theme Dish
   • Incorporate seasonal ingredients to match the occasion. For example, use butternut squash and cranberries for a fall dinner or lemon and dill for a spring celebration.

Occasions to Serve Forgotten Chicken

• Family Gatherings: The comforting flavors make it perfect for reunions and casual celebrations.
• Holidays: It’s an excellent alternative to traditional mains like turkey.
• Potlucks and Parties: Its ease of preparation and portability make it a favorite choice for shared meals.

With a few creative enhancements, forgotten chicken can shine at any special occasion, proving that a simple recipe can still deliver sophistication and charm.

Forgotten Chicken vs. Other Chicken Casseroles

The forgotten chicken recipe holds a unique place in the world of chicken casseroles due to its simplicity, flavor, and minimal prep time. However, other chicken casseroles offer distinct qualities that might appeal to different tastes or cooking preferences. Here’s a comparison to highlight the features that set forgotten chicken apart:

Key Features of Forgotten Chicken

1. Minimal Ingredients
   • The recipe requires only a handful of pantry staples like cream soups, onion soup mix, rice, and chicken, making it exceptionally easy to prepare.
2. Set-and-Forget Method
   • The baking process is hands-off, allowing the flavors to meld as the dish cooks slowly.
3. Comfort Food Appeal
   • Its creamy, savory profile makes it the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
4. Customizable Simplicity
   • While it’s simple by design, you can add vegetables, herbs, or spices for variety without complicating the preparation.

How It Compares to Other Chicken Casseroles

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole
   • Similar to forgotten chicken, this dish often features chicken, rice, and cream-based soups. However, it typically includes more pre-cooking steps, such as sautéing vegetables or searing the chicken.
2. Chicken Alfredo Casserole
   • This casserole has a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce base and is often paired with pasta instead of rice. It offers a more indulgent flavor but requires more preparation.
3. Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole
   • A spicier, bolder option, Tex-Mex casseroles incorporate ingredients like salsa, cheese, and black beans. These flavors differ significantly from the creamy, mild profile of forgotten chicken.
4. Vegetable-Heavy Chicken Casseroles
   • These casseroles prioritize vegetables like broccoli or zucchini alongside chicken, often using lighter sauces like lemon or marinara. They cater to health-conscious eaters more than the indulgent forgotten chicken recipe.
5. Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
   • Featuring a flaky crust and a thick, creamy filling, this dish is richer and more time-intensive than forgotten chicken but offers a hearty, homestyle alternative.

Why Forgotten Chicken Stands Out

• Ease of Preparation: Unlike many casseroles that require pre-cooking steps, forgotten chicken relies on a straightforward “layer and bake” approach.
• Time-Saving: The dish is designed for busy schedules, requiring minimal active time in the kitchen.
• One-Dish Wonder: With its combination of protein, carbs, and optional vegetables, it’s a complete meal in itself.

While other chicken casseroles offer variety and complexity, the forgotten chicken recipe excels as a reliable, no-fuss option for anyone craving a hearty and comforting meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)