I love how effortless this recipe is—just layer everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work. No babysitting, no complicated prep. The chicken turns out incredibly tender, and the rice absorbs all the creamy, savory flavor. It’s a fuss-free, comforting meal I can always count on.
Ingredients
(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)
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 Celery Soup (Or Use Cream Of Mushroom) 1 1/2 Cups Water (Or Chicken Broth For Extra Flavor) 1 Packet Dry Onion Soup Mix Salt And Pepper, To Taste Fresh Parsley (Optional, For Garnish)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, I stir together the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and water (or broth) until fully combined. I place the chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture. Then I sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. I cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. No peeking! The steam helps cook everything evenly. Once done, I remove the foil and check that the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If needed, I bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes. I let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 4 Preparation Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes Total Time: 1 Hour 40 Minutes Calories: About 400–450 Per Serving (Depending On Soup Brands And Broth)
Variations
When I want a little extra flavor, I add sliced mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots into the rice mixture. For a cheesy twist, I sprinkle shredded cheddar on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. If I’m out of chicken breasts, boneless thighs work great and add even more flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until hot. I add a splash of broth when reheating to keep the rice moist.
FAQs
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of White?
I don’t recommend it unless I adjust the liquid and bake time. Brown rice takes longer and may not cook evenly in this recipe.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Of Celery Soup?
I substitute it with another can of cream of chicken or cream of mushroom. The flavor changes slightly but still tastes great.
Do I Have To Sear The Chicken First?
Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe—I skip the stove and go straight to the oven. It still comes out juicy and flavorful.
Can I Prep This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate until ready to bake. I just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.
Will The Rice Get Mushy?
Not if I use long-grain white rice and don’t overbake. It turns out perfectly soft and creamy every time.
Conclusion
Incredible Forgotten Chicken is the definition of easy comfort food. I love how it only takes a few minutes to prep, and then I can “forget” about it while the oven works its magic. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and rich flavor in every bite, it’s a go-to meal that never disappoints.
This incredible forgotten chicken recipe is the ultimate dump-and-bake dinner! Tender chicken and creamy rice cook together in one dish—perfect comfort food made easy.
Author:Emma
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
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 celery soup (or substitute cream of mushroom)
1½ cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
1 packet dry onion soup mix
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Stir together the uncooked rice, both soups, and water (or broth) directly in the dish until fully combined.
Add Chicken:
Lay the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
Top with Onion Soup Mix:
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
Cover and Bake:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes without peeking. This traps steam to cook the rice and chicken evenly.
Check and Finish:
Remove foil and check for doneness. If needed, bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes to allow any excess liquid to absorb or to brown the top.
Rest and Serve:
Let sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness.
Add-ins: Sliced mushrooms, peas, or carrots can be mixed into the rice.
Cheesy twist: Top with shredded cheddar during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Don’t use brown rice without adjusting liquid and cook time—it may stay undercooked.