I’ll never forget the first time I made Forgotten Chicken Recipe. It was one of those busy days when I had way too much on my plate (no pun intended), and I needed a no-fuss meal that practically cooked itself.
I had heard about this recipe before—a dish that requires almost no effort, yet somehow turns out deliciously tender and packed with flavor. It’s called Forgotten Chicken because you literally set it up, put it in the oven, and forget about it while it cooks low and slow, letting the flavors blend perfectly.
If you’re looking for a super easy, family-friendly meal that’s creamy, savory, and beyond satisfying, this is it.
One of the best things about Forgotten Chicken? It uses pantry staples—things you probably already have in your kitchen.
What you will find in this article:
What Is Forgotten Chicken Recipe?
Forgotten Chicken is an old-fashioned, one-pan baked dish that requires minimal prep. You simply:
- Mix uncooked rice, a creamy sauce, and seasonings in a baking dish.
- Layer boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top.
- Cover it up and bake slow and low until everything is perfectly tender.
That’s it! No stirring, no checking, no stress. The oven does all the work, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
For anyone looking to expand their repertoire of easy chicken dishes, the kickin’ chicken recipe oven-perfectly baked offers another fantastic option.
Forgotten Chicken Around the World: Similar Dishes in Other Cultures
Dishes Similar to Forgotten Chicken in Other Cultures
🔹 Arroz con Pollo (Latin America) – A slow-cooked chicken and rice dish, flavored with saffron, tomatoes, and spices.
🔹 Hainanese Chicken Rice (China/Southeast Asia) – A simple poached chicken dish served with seasoned rice, similar in concept but with a different cooking method.
🔹 Chicken and Rice Casserole (U.S.) – Many Southern recipes use cream of mushroom soup, just like Forgotten Chicken!
🔹 Biryani (India/Pakistan) – A layered chicken and rice dish, slow-cooked with aromatic spices.
How Forgotten Chicken Compares
- Unlike biryani or arroz con pollo, Forgotten Chicken requires almost no prep or active cooking.
- Many global rice and chicken dishes require stirring or layering, while Forgotten Chicken is truly a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
The Science Behind Why Forgotten Chicken is So Tender and Flavorful
Why Slow Baking Makes Chicken Juicy
- Cooking at a lower temperature (325°F) allows the chicken’s natural juices to stay locked in.
- The steam from the rice and broth keeps the chicken from drying out.
- Since the lid or foil traps moisture, nothing evaporates, keeping the dish ultra-creamy.
The Role of Creamy Soups in This Recipe
- The cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups work as emulsifiers, keeping the sauce thick and smooth.
- These soups contain starches that help bind moisture to the rice, ensuring that every bite is soft, not dry.
How to Avoid Overcooked Chicken
- Chicken breasts dry out faster than thighs, so using bone-in chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier.
- Cooking too hot or too fast (like at 400°F) will evaporate the liquid before the rice fully absorbs it.
Ingredients You Will Need
Main Ingredients
✔ 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra juiciness)
✔ 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
✔ 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
✔ 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
✔ 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tsp onion powder
✔ ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
✔ ½ tsp salt
✔ ½ tsp black pepper
✔ 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but so good!)
Discover the nutritional benefits of including chicken in your meals.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
- ½ cup sour cream (adds a tangy creaminess).
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (deepens the flavor).
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (for an herby touch).
- ½ cup chopped mushrooms or onions (adds texture and richness).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Forgotten Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix the Rice and Sauce
- In the baking dish, mix together:
- Uncooked rice
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Stir until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Layer the Chicken
- Lay the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika for a touch of color and flavor.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
- Cover tightly with foil (this helps steam the rice properly).
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes—no peeking!
Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish Cooking
- If using cheese, remove the foil after 1 hour and 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar on top and bake uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- The rice will absorb any remaining moisture, making it perfectly creamy!
Why Forgotten Chicken Works Every Time
⭐ One-Pan Wonder – No extra pots or pans needed.
⭐ No Pre-Cooking Required – Everything cooks together in one dish.
⭐ Ultra-Creamy Texture – The slow cooking makes the chicken juicy and the rice fluffy.
⭐ Make-Ahead Friendly – You can assemble it in advance and bake later.
Delicious Variations to Try
🔥 Spicy Forgotten Chicken – Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the mix.
🥦 Veggie-Packed Version – Stir in chopped broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
🧀 Cheesy Garlic Version – Use garlic butter instead of regular butter and add extra cheese on top.
🍗 Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut – Use pre-cooked shredded chicken and reduce baking time to 45 minutes.
How to Store & Reheat Forgotten Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven: Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for 20 minutes.
- Reheat in microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Why is it called Forgotten Chicken?
- Because you can “set it and forget it” while it bakes—no stirring needed!
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
- Yes, but it will take longer to cook—about 2 hours total.
What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
- Cover and bake for another 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Final Thoughts: Why I Love This Classic Recipe
The first time I made Forgotten Chicken, I couldn’t believe how simple yet delicious it was. Now, it’s one of my go-to meals when I need something comforting, effortless, and guaranteed to please.
I love that I can prep everything in five minutes, toss it in the oven, and come back later to a dish that’s perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
If you’ve never tried Forgotten Chicken, this is your sign! Give it a go, and let me know your opinion!
