Chicken casserole recipes are the heart and soul of cozy family dinners, and this Forgotten Chicken Casserole might just be the easiest, most comforting one of them all. It earns its name because once you prep it, you pop it in the oven—and forget about it while it bakes into golden, creamy perfection.
With just a few pantry staples like long-grain rice, cream soups, and bone-in chicken, this one-dish wonder delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning ahead for leftovers, this casserole is the stress-free dinner you’ve been looking for.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
- Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity – No need to stir or babysit; the oven does all the work.
- Ultra-comforting – Creamy, savory, and rich—just like grandma used to make.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
- Customizable – Add veggies, swap seasonings, or make it gluten-free!
Ingredients
You’ll need the following to make this comforting casserole:
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry onion soup mix
- ¼ cup butter, cut into small cubes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
💡 Tip: Bone-in chicken helps keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor to the dish.
Instructions
1. Preheat and prep the baking dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the rice base
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together:
- Uncooked rice
- Chicken broth
- Both soups
- Dry onion soup mix
Fold in frozen vegetables, if using. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Dot the top with cubes of butter.
3. Season and add the chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season both sides with:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
Place chicken on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
4. Cover and bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes—do not open the oven during this time.
5. Uncover and finish baking
Remove foil carefully (watch for steam). Bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until:
- Chicken skin is golden and crispy
- Chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C)
- Rice is tender and fully cooked
6. Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and the rice to finish setting up.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
- Skill Level: Easy
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American comfort food
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
(Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Variations
✅ Pro Tips
- Don’t lift the foil during baking – It releases essential steam and heat.
- Season in layers – Season the chicken and the rice mixture for the most flavor.
- Use glass or ceramic dishes – They hold and distribute heat more evenly than metal.
🔄 Flavor Variations
- Creamy Broccoli Version: Add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 cup shredded cheddar to the rice base. Sprinkle extra cheese on top during the final 10 minutes.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add oregano, diced bell peppers, olives, and artichokes. Top with crumbled feta cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
🌾 Gluten-Free Adaptation
- Use certified gluten-free cream soups and onion soup mix—everything else is naturally gluten-free.
Forgotten Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil
- – Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- – 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
- – 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- – 2½ cups chicken broth
- – 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- – 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- – 1 packet 1 oz dry onion soup mix
- – ¼ cup butter cut into small pieces
- – ½ tsp garlic powder
- – ½ tsp paprika
- – Salt and black pepper to taste
- – 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Mix rice, broth, soups, onion mix, and veggies (if using). Pour into dish.
- Season chicken and place on top. Add butter pieces.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hr 15 min.
- Remove foil, bake uncovered for 15–20 min until golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
– Use gluten-free soups if needed.
– Add cheese or vegetables for fun variations.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts?
Yes, but they cook faster. Add them to the casserole after 30 minutes of baking to prevent dryness.
Why is my rice still undercooked?
Make sure to use long-grain white rice and tightly cover the dish. If needed, add a few tablespoons of broth and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything except the rice, then refrigerate. Add rice just before baking to avoid mushy texture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
This Forgotten Chicken Casserole is more than just a catchy name—it’s a foolproof, satisfying meal that turns humble ingredients into pure comfort. Whether you’re juggling a busy schedule or simply want a hands-off dinner with maximum flavor, this casserole hits the mark every time.