If you’re in the mood for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you’re going to fall in love with this Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with creamy, flavorful rice that bakes all in one dish. What’s wonderful about this recipe is how it effortlessly brings together simple ingredients to create deep, savory layers of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night at home, it’s the perfect dish for those moments when you want something satisfying and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is as uncomplicated as the dish itself. Each item plays a key role, from adding creaminess and richness to imparting a robust savory flavor and a lovely golden color.
- Chicken thighs, 1 1/2 lbs (bone-in, skin-on): This cut stays juicy and flavorful during baking, plus the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Long grain white rice, 1 cup (uncooked): It absorbs the delicious juices and creates a tender, fluffy base.
- Cream of chicken soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Adds richness and binds the ingredients together for that creamy texture.
- Cream of mushroom soup, 1 can (10.5 oz): Brings an earthy depth that perfectly complements the chicken.
- Chicken broth, 1 3/4 cups: Infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks low and slow.
- Onion soup mix, 1 packet: Loads the dish with savory seasoning for incredible taste.
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon (optional): Enhances the flavors if you prefer a bit more seasoning.
- Black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a gentle kick to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh parsley or thyme, 1 tablespoon (optional garnish): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness at the end.
How to Make Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to ensure nothing sticks, making your life easier when it’s time to serve and clean up. Setting this foundation early means your cooking workflow will be smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
Grab a mixing bowl and stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked rice, and chicken broth. Make sure everything is evenly combined for a creamy, flavorful base that will soak into every grain of rice as it bakes. This mixture is key to making the rice tender, infused with those savory, comforting flavors you’ll love.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Pour the creamy rice mixture directly into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the chicken thighs on top, skin side up, allowing the juices to trickle down into the rice. This simple layering technique ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked juiciness.
Step 4: Season Generously
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the entire dish, which works wonders for boosting the flavor profile and seasoning the chicken beautifully. Follow up with a little black pepper and salt if you’d like, but keep in mind the soup mix already carries ample seasoning so adjust to your taste.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture inside. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 1 hour. During this time, the rice absorbs all those incredible flavors while the chicken slowly cooks to tender perfection.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered for Crispy Skin
After an hour, carefully take off the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 25 to 30 minutes. This uncovered bake crisps up the chicken skin beautifully while allowing the rice to finish cooking to a creamy, fluffy consistency. Watch closely as the chicken transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown masterpiece you’ll be proud to serve.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes so the rice can soak up the flavorful juices one last time. To top it off, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme to bring a fresh, vibrant note and make your plate look as inviting as it tastes.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a beautiful green contrast and a burst of herbal freshness that brightens this hearty dish. The aroma alone makes it irresistible right before serving!
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty much a complete meal on its own thanks to the rice and chicken combo, but if you want to add some greens, a crisp salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans complement it wonderfully. A side of roasted carrots or a light cucumber salad can also add refreshing textures to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the chicken thighs individually plated atop generous scoops of the creamy rice. Or try plating it family-style in the baking dish so everyone can dig in family-style, sharing that warm feeling this recipe inspires. For a festive touch, drizzle a little melted butter or a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your delightful feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making the next meal taste just as good, if not better.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Cool the dish completely, then transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever you need a quick, tasty dinner fix.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains tender and the rice moist. You can also microwave individual portions, just be mindful to cover loosely to keep the moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bone-in thighs provide added flavor and tenderness, boneless chicken thighs will work fine too. Just watch the cooking time carefully, as they may cook a bit faster.
Is it possible to make this recipe with brown rice?
You can substitute brown rice, but it will require a longer baking time and more liquid because brown rice takes longer to cook. Adjust accordingly and check for doneness.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas into the rice mixture before baking for extra nutrition and color.
Do I need to soak or rinse the rice beforehand?
No need to soak or rinse the rice for this recipe. The cooking process bakes the rice directly in the flavorful liquid and soups, resulting in perfectly tender grains.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix on hand?
You can substitute with a mix of dried onion flakes, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and some beef or chicken bouillon powder to mimic the flavor, but the onion soup mix really simplifies seasoning for this recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about the Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken Recipe that makes it feel like a special meal even on the busiest nights. It’s kitchen magic—simple ingredients turning into a soulful, crave-worthy dish that fills your home with inviting aromas and happy smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a forever-favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Quick and Easy Forgotten Chicken is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs baked over a creamy mixture of rice, chicken broth, and flavorful cream soups. The dish is seasoned with onion soup mix and black pepper, baked to juicy perfection, and finished with optional fresh herbs for a delicious and effortless family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Mixture
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, uncooked long grain white rice, and chicken broth. Stir well until fully blended into a creamy mixture that will cook the rice and infuse flavor.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the soup and rice mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on top of the rice mixture, allowing their juices to seep into the rice during baking.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice layer. Add black pepper and, if using, half a teaspoon of salt to enhance the seasoning, keeping in mind the soup mix is already seasoned.
- Cover and bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the rice to cook and absorb the flavorful liquids.
- Uncover and finish baking: Remove the foil carefully and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 25-30 minutes. This step crisps the chicken skin and ensures the rice is fully tender and cooked through.
- Rest and garnish: After baking, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the rice to soak in the remaining juices. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme before serving hot.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs contribute to juicy meat and flavorful drippings for the rice.
- Do not rinse the rice before using, as the starch helps create a creamy texture.
- Covering the dish while baking prevents drying out and helps the rice cook evenly.
- Uncovering in the last 25-30 minutes crisps the chicken skin nicely.
- Adjust salt cautiously since the soups and onion soup mix add saltiness.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
