Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken

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I can’t count how many times this Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe has saved dinner at my house. It’s one of those classic comfort dishes that practically makes itself while I go about the rest of my day. Tender chicken thighs baked over a creamy, flavorful bed of rice—it’s the kind of meal that tastes like I’ve been standing over the stove for hours, when in reality, I barely had to lift a finger.

This dish got its name because once you pop it into the oven, you can truly forget about it until it’s done. No mid-cooking stir, no flipping, no stress. Just simple ingredients coming together in a beautifully golden, oven-baked harmony. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a lazy Sunday, this recipe never disappoints.

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Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken

It’s incredibly low-effort but delivers big-time flavor. The juicy chicken develops a golden crust while the rice soaks up all the savory juices and creamy soup, creating the perfect one-pan wonder. You don’t need fancy ingredients or expert skills to make this work. And the best part? The oven does all the heavy lifting.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my go-to for this dish. They stay moist and juicy throughout baking, and the skin crisps up beautifully. You could also use drumsticks or split breasts if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly depending on the cut and size.

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Options for Substitutions

If you’re not a fan of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or celery work just as well. You can also use boneless skinless thighs, but you’ll sacrifice a bit of the richness from the rendered skin fat. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based creamy soup and broth. And while white rice is traditional here, brown rice can be used—just know it’ll need a longer bake time and a bit more liquid.

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Ingredients for this Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These are the star of the show. They stay incredibly moist during baking and render flavorful fat that adds depth to the rice.

Long grain white rice (uncooked): A base that cooks slowly with the chicken, soaking up all the juices and seasoning. Long grain works best to avoid a mushy texture.

Cream of chicken soup: This is what creates the creamy texture in the rice and helps infuse richness into every bite.

Cream of mushroom soup: Adds a subtle earthy note and enhances the savory flavor. You can double the chicken soup if preferred.

Chicken broth or water: Helps cook the rice evenly while adding flavor. Broth gives it more depth, but water works in a pinch.

Onion soup mix: This is your secret seasoning weapon. It delivers that umami kick and rounds out the dish with oniony warmth.

Salt and pepper (to taste): These basic seasonings elevate all the other ingredients. Go easy on the salt if your soups or broth are already salty.

Fresh thyme or parsley (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to contrast the creamy richness.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with non-stick spray or a touch of butter to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked long grain rice, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. This mixture will serve as the bed for your chicken.

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Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Pour the creamy rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Nestle the chicken thighs on top, skin side up. Do not stir—let the chicken sit right on top of the rice so the juices drip down during baking.

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Step 4: Add Seasoning

Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. Add a touch of freshly ground black pepper and a small pinch of salt, if needed. You can also add herbs like thyme or rosemary if you want a more aromatic flavor.

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Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the rice is tender.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or thyme before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness.

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How Long to Prepare the Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken

Prep Time: The prep is blissfully short—just 10 minutes. Mixing the creamy base, laying the chicken on top, and seasoning it is all you need to do before it goes into the oven. It’s perfect for busy evenings or when you just want minimal effort.

Cook Time: Once in the oven, it bakes for a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The first hour is covered to allow the rice to steam and cook through, and the final 25–30 minutes are uncovered to crisp up the chicken skin and reduce excess moisture.

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Tips for Perfect Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken

• Use long grain white rice for the best texture; short grain or instant rice will turn out mushy.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken provides more flavor and helps keep the meat juicy.
• Always cover the dish tightly for the first hour so the rice cooks evenly.
• Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to let everything settle and absorb remaining moisture.
• A quick broil at the end (2-3 minutes) can add a nice crispy finish to the chicken skin.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using the wrong rice: Instant or parboiled rice will overcook and break down.
• Not covering the dish: This traps the steam needed to cook the rice properly.
• Skipping the seasoning: Onion soup mix adds a lot of flavor. Leaving it out will make the dish flat.
• Using too little liquid: The rice needs enough moisture to fully cook. Don’t skimp on the broth.
• Cooking at too high a temperature: Stick to 350°F for even cooking. Higher temps might dry out the chicken before the rice is done.

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What to Serve With Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken?

1. Steamed Green Beans

Light and crisp, green beans offer a fresh contrast to the creamy dish.

2. Roasted Carrots

A touch of sweetness from the carrots balances the savory flavors.

3. Garden Salad

A fresh salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.

4. Dinner Rolls

Perfect for scooping up any leftover creamy rice.

5. Sauteed Spinach

Adds a healthy and earthy green element to the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The rice may thicken more after cooling, but a splash of broth or water during reheating helps restore its creaminess.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish, but the rice texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F or in the microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have boneless chicken?

You can use boneless thighs or breasts, but reduce the baking time by 15–20 minutes and keep an eye on dryness.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer and needs more moisture.

Do I have to use cream soups?

They’re key to the creamy texture. If you prefer homemade, a simple roux with broth and milk works too.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything in the dish and refrigerate, tightly covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written—most canned soups and onion mixes contain gluten. Use certified gluten-free versions to make it safe.

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Conclusion

Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken is one of those dishes that never lets you down. It’s hearty, satisfying, and full of flavor—without any of the stress. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for leftovers that reheat like a dream, this dish delivers every time. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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