If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you’ve found it with the Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory soups into one satisfying casserole that practically cooks itself while you handle other things. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or just craving some cozy home-cooked goodness, this recipe delivers on taste and ease, making it a dependable favorite to have on standby.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward and accessible, yet when combined, they create a harmony of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides lean protein and stays tender after baking.
- Instant rice (white or brown): Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors perfectly.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness that binds everything together.
- Cream of mushroom soup: Brings an earthy depth to the casserole’s flavor profile.
- Water (measured with empty soup can): Ensures the rice cooks to the right consistency without needing complicated measurements.
- Onion soup mix: Acts as a savory seasoning boost with minimal effort.
- Butter (for greasing): Keeps the casserole from sticking and adds a hint of richness.
- Optional shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Optional frozen mixed vegetables: Adds color, nutrients, and extra texture.
- Optional diced cooked chicken: Great for stretching protein portions or using leftovers.
- Optional black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika: Customize the casserole’s flavor with gentle additions.
How to Make Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with a tablespoon of butter. This little step is important to prevent the rice from sticking and ensures clean, easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Soup and Rice
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked instant rice. Stir them together until the mixture is uniform. This base is where the magic starts—creamy soups soak into the rice to create tender, flavorful grains.
Step 3: Transfer to the Dish
Pour the soup and rice mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. This sets the stage for the chicken and any extra add-ins you want to include.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Vegetables (Optional)
Now’s the time to stir in any frozen mixed vegetables or shredded cheese. These options boost the casserole’s heartiness and layer in vibrant colors and textures, making it feel like a complete meal.
Step 5: Place the Chicken
Lay the raw chicken breasts directly atop the rice mixture. If your chicken breasts are thick, giving them a butterflying cut ensures they bake evenly and cook through at the same pace as the rice below.
Step 6: Sprinkle Seasoning
Evenly distribute the packet of onion soup mix over the chicken. This infusion of savory seasoning adds incredible depth without extra effort or messy measuring.
Step 7: Cover and Bake
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 60 minutes. Keeping it covered traps moisture, which is key to perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken.
Step 8: Check and Brown
After baking, remove the foil to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender. For a final flourish, broil the casserole uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes to develop a golden, inviting crust on top.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Don’t forget to let your casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This pause helps the casserole set up so that slices hold together beautifully and serving is a breeze.
How to Serve Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your casserole with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives brings a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts nicely with the creamy casserole base. A light sprinkle of paprika or freshly cracked black pepper adds an extra touch of flavor and visual interest.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or a crunchy coleslaw can add refreshing texture and rounds out the meal beautifully. The key is to balance the creamy richness with something fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a cozy, personal feel. Alternatively, layering some caramelized onions on top before browning elevates the dish and adds a sweet-savory accent that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy a homemade dinner on busy evenings.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making sure to cool completely before sealing. To keep the best texture, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions either in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating helps refresh the rice and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Whether your chicken is fresh or previously frozen won’t affect the cooking process much, as it will cook thoroughly over the hour in the oven. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure food safety.
Is it necessary to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups?
Using both soups balances the flavor, creating a rich but not overpowering base. However, you can use just one kind if that’s what you have on hand—your casserole will still taste delicious.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
This recipe is built around chicken, but you can substitute the protein with hearty vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives, adjusting the seasoning accordingly for a vegetarian twist.
What if I don’t have instant rice?
Instant rice is best for this recipe because it cooks quickly and absorbs liquid well. Using regular rice might require more liquid and a longer bake time, so sticking to instant rice keeps things simple and reliable.
How can I add more flavor to this casserole?
Sprinkling in your favorite spices like garlic powder, paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper can add warmth and depth. Fresh herbs stirred in before baking or sprinkled on top fresh from the oven elevate every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe—it’s a warm hug in food form that’s perfect for hectic days and relaxed weekends alike. It’s simple, forgiving, and endlessly tasty, making it a must-try in your dinner rotation. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’ll be one you come back to again and again.
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Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Easy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, instant rice, and savory onion soup mix, it’s a hassle-free casserole that bakes all in one pan. Optional add-ins like shredded cheddar cheese and frozen mixed vegetables can be added to boost flavor and nutrition. Baking at a moderate temperature with a foil cover ensures the rice cooks to a creamy consistency while the chicken remains juicy. A quick broil at the end adds a golden, slightly crisp topping for an extra delicious finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken (to stretch the protein)
- Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with the tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Soups and Rice: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked instant rice. Stir well until evenly mixed.
- Transfer Mixture: Pour the soup and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Stir in frozen mixed vegetables or shredded cheese if desired. These add more flavor and substance to the dish.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture. For even cooking, butterfly thicker pieces if needed.
- Season Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top of the chicken breasts to add seasoning and enhance flavor.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes. Do not remove the foil during baking, as this traps moisture and allows the rice to cook properly.
- Check Doneness: After baking, remove the foil carefully. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the rice should be creamy and tender.
- Broil for Color: For a golden, lightly browned top, broil the uncovered casserole for 3-5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Butterflying thick chicken breasts helps ensure even cooking.
- Use frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn to add nutrition and color.
- If desired, add a dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika to the soup mixture for extra flavor.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; just increase baking time slightly when reheating.
- Instant rice is key to this recipe’s easy and quick cooking process.
- Checking the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer ensures food safety.
