Forgotten Chicken Recipe

If you’ve never tried Forgotten Chicken, I’m here to tell you—you’re missing out on one of the most comforting, no-fuss dinners of all time. It’s the kind of dish that practically cooks itself while you juggle work calls, homework help, and finding that one missing sock. With just a few pantry staples like cream of chicken soup, dry onion soup mix, and a handful of chicken thighs, you get a casserole so tender and flavorful it tastes like Grandma came over. The best part? You literally forget about it in the oven, and it still turns out perfect. I mean, what’s not to love?

We’ve made this for rushed weeknights, lazy Sundays, and even once on a camping trip (thank you, foil pan and campfire coals!). Whether you’re new to the Forgotten Chicken game or rediscovering an old favorite, this recipe will slide right into your rotation like it’s always belonged.

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Why You’ll Love This Forgotten Chicken

• Ridiculously easy: Toss it in the oven and walk away—seriously.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters love the creamy, savory rice.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you probably already have.
• One-dish wonder: Less mess = more me time.
• Make-ahead magic: Assemble in the morning, bake at night.

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Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups minute rice
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup
• 1 can water (use empty soup can)
• 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ lbs)
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• Butter, for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

Prepare the Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish generously.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, water, and minute rice until smooth.
3. Pour the rice mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread evenly.

Add the Chicken

4. Arrange the chicken pieces over the rice. Don’t worry if they’re snug—cozy is good.
5. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over everything.

Bake

6. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. No peeking!
7. Bake for 90 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is perfectly cooked.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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Melania’s Tips for Perfect Banana Bread

Oops! Wrong recipe—let’s make that:

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Forgotten Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• If you like a golden crust, uncover for the last 10 minutes.
• Mix in a handful of frozen peas or mushrooms for a veggie boost.
• Let it rest before serving—trust me, it gets even better.

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Bake It With the Littles

Little ones love stirring the creamy rice mixture and sprinkling the “magic” onion soup powder on top. Let them help you lay the chicken like puzzle pieces. Just make sure they steer clear of the hot oven—and get ready for high-fives when it’s dinner time.

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Meal-Prep Magic

This dish is a total weeknight hero. You can assemble it in the morning and pop it into the oven when you get home. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and it’s just as delicious the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Soup swaps: Use low-sodium or “healthy request” soups.
• Brown rice: Go for instant brown rice—just adjust the bake time slightly.
• Lean chicken: Chicken breasts work great if you’re watching fat content.
• DIY seasoning: Make your own onion soup mix to control salt and additives.

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Leftover Remix

Leftovers? Lucky you. Try these:

• Chicken & Rice Burritos: Wrap it all in a tortilla with shredded cheese.
• Stuffed Peppers: Spoon into halved bell peppers and bake with mozzarella.
• Mini Pot Pies: Tuck into muffin tins with biscuit dough for savory treats.

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Gift It Like a Pro

New mom? Neighbor in need? Bake this in a disposable foil tray, cover with foil, and write the baking instructions right on top. Pair with a side salad and a sweet note. Done and done.

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FAQs

Can I use regular rice instead of minute rice?
You can, but the cook time and liquid ratio will need adjusting. Minute rice is the secret to keeping it simple.

What if I don’t have cream of celery soup?
Substitute with more cream of chicken or try cream of mushroom for a richer flavor.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Not ideal, since the rice can get mushy. Stick with the oven for best results.

Is this gluten-free?
With a few swaps—like gluten-free soup and onion mix—it can be!

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Final Thought

Forgotten Chicken is one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that delivers every single time. It’s warm, creamy, and nostalgic in all the right ways. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a cozy dinner for a Tuesday night, this dish has your back. You might forget it’s in the oven—but you’ll never forget how good it tastes.

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