Forgotten Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate “Set and Forget” Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the answer to busy weeknights—an unbelievably easy “dump and bake” casserole that delivers comforting flavor with minimal prep. It gets its name for good reason: assemble the ingredients, pop the dish in the oven, and simply forget about it until dinnertime. When you’re craving a hands-off, hearty meal that will satisfy the whole family, this classic chicken and rice bake is sure to become your go-to solution.

The Magic of Forgotten Chicken and Rice

What makes Forgotten Chicken and Rice truly special is the way simple pantry staples—tender chicken thighs or breasts, creamy soup, and fluffy rice—transform into a creamy, savory casserole with a golden finish. Each bite is infused with herbaceous flavor, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked rice. Plus, you can customize it with your preferred seasonings or add-ins for a dish that fits any palate.

Essential Prep for Simple Cooking

Start by prepping your veggies (like onions and carrots) to lend sweetness and texture to the casserole. For an ultra-efficient and precise chop, use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper—it’s a huge time-saver for dicing all your vegetables in seconds.

When it’s time to slice or butterfly your chicken, a sturdy bamboo board like the Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 keeps things neat and mess-free.

Effortless Layering for the Perfect Casserole

The greatest appeal of Forgotten Chicken and Rice is that once assembled, it handles itself in the oven. Just layer uncooked rice, soup, broth, vegetables, and chicken in your baking dish. Bake uncovered, and resist the urge to peek—trapping in steam is key for perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken.

To easily shred the cooked chicken for serving or repurposing leftovers, grab a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black, which shreds meat in seconds without the mess.

For reliable results and to check doneness with confidence, an instant-read thermometer like the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking helps guarantee your chicken is perfectly cooked through.

Serving Suggestions for a Crowd-Pleasing Dinner

Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice straight from the baking dish at a casual family dinner, or pack leftovers in your Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for effortless lunches. Pair with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete, fuss-free meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This casserole typically serves 4–6, making it an ideal family dinner. A single serving (with chicken breast) contains approximately 350–400 calories, 6g fat, 45g carbohydrates, and 26g protein. For lower sodium, use low-sodium broth and soup.

Forgotten Chicken and Rice (Recap)

Forgotten Chicken and Rice delivers on comfort, simplicity, and flavor. With minimal prep and cleanup, it’s a recipe you really can “set and forget,” yet still achieve heartwarming results every time.

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
1 ¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup carrots, diced
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional: parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to quickly dice the onion and carrots for even cooking throughout the casserole.
  3. In the prepared baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice, chopped onion, and carrots across the bottom.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together both soups, chicken broth, garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the rice and veggies; stir gently to combine and level out.
  5. Arrange chicken breasts or thighs on top of the mixture. Brush chicken with the melted butter and sprinkle with more salt and pepper.
  6. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove foil and bake another 15–20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F—use your ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
  7. Optional: Use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, Elegant Black to shred chicken before serving, then fluff the rice and stir to combine flavors.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Portion leftovers into your Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for convenient meal prep.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour–1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

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