Name: Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 2 cups regular long-grain white rice; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup water; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; Chicken pieces placed on top

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Introduction

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a simple baked dish that fills the kitchen with a warm, savory aroma and produces tender chicken resting on fluffy, seasoned rice. The cream of chicken soup melts into the broth to create a silky sauce that soaks into long-grain rice, while garlic and onion powder give a gentle savory backbone and dried parsley adds a hint of herbaceous color. The texture is creamy rice with a lightly crisped top after the final bake, and the chicken stays juicy from cooking on top of the liquid. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any evening when you want a comforting one-dish meal with minimal fuss. If you enjoy simple, set-and-forget dinners, this recipe pairs well with other easy comfort dishes like Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese for a heartier spread. Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

2 cups regular long-grain white rice — Uncooked rice that bakes evenly and yields separate, fluffy grains after cooking.
3 cups chicken broth — Provides savory liquid and depth of flavor; use low-sodium if you prefer less salt.
1 cup water — Balances the liquid to ensure rice cooks through without becoming too soupy.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup — Adds creaminess and helps bind the rice into a saucy, comforting base.
1 teaspoon garlic powder — Concentrated garlic flavor that blends smoothly into the dish.
1 teaspoon onion powder — Adds savory, sweet onion notes without needing fresh onion.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper — Mild heat and aromatic warmth.
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley — Small herb note and a touch of color to finish the dish.
Chicken pieces placed on top — The recipe uses chicken pieces on top of the rice; the amount can be adjusted to your needs.

For a different flavor profile, consider a saucy chicken side like Honey Pepper Chicken alongside this dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position for even heat distribution.
In a large baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, water, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined. Tip: Use a spoon or spatula to scrape the bottom of the dish so the rice is evenly distributed and not clumped.
Place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Arrange the pieces so they have some space between them for even cooking.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Keep the dish covered to trap steam so the rice cooks through and the chicken stays moist.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If you want a little browning on the chicken, you can broil briefly for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
Serve warm. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving so the rice sets slightly and is easier to plate.

For a fried rice technique contrast, you might enjoy tips from recipes like Bang Bang Fried Rice if you want to repurpose leftovers.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes (including covered and uncovered baking)
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 25-30 minutes
Servings: About 6 servings, depending on portion size and amount of chicken used
Calories (approximate): About 275 calories per serving for the rice and soup base only. Chicken calories will vary depending on the type and amount of pieces used.

For serving ideas that pair well with this meal, consider a robust side like the Best Steak and Cheese Garlic Toast for a crowd-pleasing addition.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use a large baking dish to allow even cooking and prevent overflow.
Stir the rice mixture well so the soup and broth are evenly distributed for consistent texture.
If your oven runs hot or cold, check the rice at 55 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) covered, or microwave portions until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Variations using existing ingredients only

Make the rice slightly creamier by stirring the cream of chicken soup and an extra 1/4 cup water into the top of the rice before baking.
Increase herb presence by sprinkling the dried parsley evenly over the rice and chicken before covering.
For more pronounced savory flavor, add an additional 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder to the rice mixture.

Try this recipe with other comforting mains in the same week, such as Buffalo Chicken Alfredo Pasta for variety.

FAQ

is placed above this section as requested.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
No, stick with long-grain white rice for this recipe because brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid.
Do I need to thaw frozen chicken first?
Yes, thaw frozen chicken before assembling so it cooks through in the allotted time.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a large baking dish, about 9×13 inches, to allow the rice and chicken to cook evenly.
Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, low-sodium chicken broth works well if you want to control salt levels.
How do I know when the rice is done?
Rice is done when it is tender throughout and has absorbed most of the liquid; test a grain at the 1 hour mark before removing the foil.

Conclusion

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is an easy, comforting one-dish meal that fills the kitchen with familiar, homey aromas and produces tender chicken with creamy, flavorful rice. If you want to compare variations of this idea, you can view a classic take on the concept at Forgotten Chicken on 12 Tomatoes for inspiration. For another popular version with different techniques, see the take on this dish at AMAZING FORGOTTEN CHICKEN at 100K Recipes. Try it, share how it turned out, and enjoy a cozy, low-effort meal with family and friends.

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Print Recipe

A nostalgic baked dish of tender chicken on fluffy rice, featuring a creamy sauce and a touch of herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: amanda-lewis
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 75 minutes
Total Time: 85 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups regular long-grain white rice
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup water
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Chicken pieces placed on top

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Combine the rice, chicken broth, water, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and dried parsley in a large baking dish.
Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
Place chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Serve warm and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.