The chaotic rush of the weeknight dinner hour demands a simple, reliable solution. This Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole is precisely that. It’s a true one-pan meal that delivers a complete, comforting dinner with only about 10 minutes of active prep time.6 You combine creamy soups, instant rice, and tender chicken in a single dish, and the oven handles the rest.7 This method eliminates pot-juggling and constant stirring, making it the perfect recipe for busy families who still want a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Part 1: The Genius of a One-Pan Dinner Solution
Why This Casserole Saves Your Weeknight
This recipe’s primary advantage is its efficiency. You use a single 9×13 inch baking dish for mixing and baking, which drastically cuts down on cleanup. Because the chicken and rice cook together, you get your protein and carbohydrate in one shot. This eliminates the need to prepare separate side dishes. This efficiency is a game-changer for parents, busy professionals, or anyone who wants to reclaim their evenings from a pile of dirty dishes.
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Forgotten Chicken and Rice – Easy One-Pan Casserole
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy one-pan casserole. Made with instant rice, pantry soups, and chicken, it’s the perfect meal prep solution.
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: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
Optional: 1 cup diced cooked chicken (to stretch the protein)
Optional: Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with the tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked instant rice. Stir well until evenly mixed.
3. Pour into the Baking Dish: Transfer the soup and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
4. Add Optional Ingredients (If Using): Stir in frozen vegetables or shredded cheese if desired. These add-ins can elevate the dish and make it more substantial.
5. Top with Chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture. If they’re particularly thick, consider butterflying them for even cooking.
6. Sprinkle Soup Mix: Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top of the chicken. This adds both seasoning and savory depth.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Do not lift the foil during baking—this traps the moisture and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
8. Check for Doneness: After 1 hour, remove the foil. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C), and the rice should be tender and creamy.
9. Optional Broil: For a golden top, broil the casserole uncovered for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
10. Let Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to set and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
Assemble Ahead: You can fully assemble the casserole (uncooked), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Freezer Friendly: Freeze the unbaked casserole (without foil) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 65
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
The “Forgotten” Method and How It Works
The “forgotten” technique relies on basic food science. By tightly covering the casserole dish with aluminum foil, you create a steamy environment. The liquid from the water and canned soups heats up, and this steam perfectly cooks both the raw chicken and the par-cooked instant rice. The onion soup mix on top roasts and infuses the entire dish with savory flavor. It is a wonderfully simple, self-contained cooking system.
Part 2: Building a Better-for-You Casserole
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The foundation of this Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple, but your choices matter. Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep the dish lean. When selecting your cream soups, you can look for low-sodium or “healthy request” versions to control the salt content.8 Using brown instant rice instead of white instant rice is another easy swap that increases the fiber content of the final meal, making it more filling and nutritious for your family.
Smart Swaps for a Lighter Meal
If you want to make this meal even healthier, you have several options. You can easily substitute the can of water with low-sodium chicken broth for more flavor without added salt. To lighten the creaminess, try using one can of cream soup and one can of evaporated skim milk. If you’re looking for ways to make comforting meals, you’ll see this method is even simpler than our creamy smothered chicken with rice, as it requires no pre-cooking at all.
Part 3: The Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Assembly
Creating the Creamy Rice Foundation
Your first step is to properly prepare the baking dish. Greasing it with butter ensures nothing sticks and makes serving a breeze. Next, pour the uncooked instant rice, both cans of soup, and the can of water directly into the dish. Use a spatula to stir these ingredients together until the rice is fully coated and the mixture is evenly combined. This creates the creamy base that will cook to perfection under the chicken.
The Importance of the Onion Soup Topping
After placing the chicken breasts on the rice mixture, you will sprinkle the dry onion soup mix on top. This step is more important than it looks. This dry mix forms a savory crust on the chicken as it bakes. Furthermore, the seasonings and dehydrated onions slowly melt down into the soup base, infusing the entire casserole with a deep, rich, roasted onion flavor that you cannot get from mixing it in.
Part 4: Meal Prep Strategies for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
How to Assemble Now, Bake Later
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole is a meal prepper’s dream. You can fully assemble the entire dish in your casserole pan, cover it tightly with foil, and place it in the refrigerator. It will hold perfectly for up to 24 hours. When you get home from work, simply place the cold dish directly into your preheated oven. You may need to add about 10 to 15 minutes to the total bake time to account for the cold ingredients.
Freezing for Long-Term Meal Planning
This recipe also freezes beautifully before baking. Prepare the entire casserole in a freezer-safe 9×13 dish. Instead of foil, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil (or a tight-lidded top). You can freeze it for up to 3 months.9 When you are ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, just remove the plastic wrap, replace the foil, and bake as directed.
| Meal Prep Timeline | Action Step |
| Sunday (Prep Day) | Assemble the complete casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover and freeze. |
| Tuesday (Thaw Day) | Move the casserole from the freezer to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. |
| Wednesday (Bake Day) | Preheat the oven. Bake the thawed casserole as directed for an easy dinner. |
| Thursday (Leftover Day) | Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a 2-minute lunch. |
Part 5: Customizing Your One-Pan Casserole
Adding Vegetables for a Complete Meal
This recipe is a perfect canvas for adding vegetables. This is an excellent way to use up leftover produce or add nutrients for picky eaters. Stir in one or two cups of frozen vegetables along with the rice and soup mixture. A classic mix of peas, carrots, and corn works perfectly. You could also add chopped broccoli florets or sliced mushrooms for a different flavor profile. The vegetables will cook perfectly in the steam.
Using Different Soups or Seasonings
You are not limited to the classic soup combination. Feel free to customize this Forgotten Chicken and Rice based on your family’s preferences. You can use two cans of cream of chicken, or swap one for cream of celery or cream of broccoli. If you do not have onion soup mix, you can create your own topping by mixing a packet of ranch seasoning with some garlic powder and paprika. This flexibility makes the recipe endlessly repeatable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of instant rice?
No, this recipe will not work with regular uncooked rice. Regular rice requires a different, precise liquid-to-rice ratio and a much longer, separate cooking time. Instant rice is par-cooked, which is why it can cook in 60 minutes using the steam from the soup mixture. Sticking to instant rice is essential for success.
My chicken breasts are very thick. How do I ensure they cook through?
This is a common concern. If your chicken breasts are over 1.5 inches thick, it is best to butterfly them (slice them in half horizontally) or cut them into large 2-inch chunks. This increases the surface area and ensures the chicken cooks evenly in the 6This0-minute bake time, right alongside the rice.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers for lunches?
The leftovers from this Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole are fantastic for meal prep lunches. Simply portion the casserole into microwave-safe containers. To reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth (about 1 tablespoon) to the container. Cover it loosely and microwave for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, or until hot. The extra liquid helps steam the rice and keeps it from drying out.
Conclusion
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice casserole is the definitive answer to the weeknight dinner dilemma. It proves that you can serve a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum efficiency. By leveraging smart ingredients in a single pan, you get a complete dinner that the whole family will love. It is more than just a recipe; it is a strategy for reclaiming your evenings, one delicious and easy meal at a time.