Forgotten Chicken – The Best Comfort Casserole You’ve Probably Overlooked

Comfort food doesn’t always require hours of work or a fancy ingredient list. Sometimes, the most satisfying dishes are the ones you almost forget about—literally. That’s where Forgotten Chicken comes in. It’s the kind of meal that’s as hands-off as it gets: toss a few ingredients in a dish, stick it in the oven, and walk away. By the time you remember it’s cooking, dinner is magically ready.

In this guide, we’re diving into everything there is to know about Forgotten Chicken—from the original recipe with long grain rice to crockpot variations and Pioneer Woman twists. You’ll learn why it’s called “forgotten,” what makes it so easy, and how to make it unforgettable at your table. We’ll even cover common mistakes, smart add-ins, reheating tips, and more.

Looking for inspiration? Try our hearty Chicken Tamale Pie or nostalgic Victorian Stewed Potatoes after this classic.

What Is Forgotten Chicken?

Forgotten Chicken is a classic dump-and-bake dish known for its minimal effort and maximum comfort. Most versions include boneless chicken breasts or thighs, uncooked rice (usually long grain), a couple cans of cream soup (like cream of mushroom or cream of chicken), and chicken broth. All the ingredients are layered in a baking dish and cooked slowly in the oven. The result? A creamy, savory, melt-in-your-mouth chicken and rice casserole.

It’s ideal for busy families, beginner cooks, or anyone craving a hot homemade meal with barely any prep. Unlike other casseroles that need sautéing or pre-cooking, this one goes straight from counter to oven.

Forgotten Chicken is especially popular in Southern kitchens, potlucks, and busy weeknights. It’s beloved not just for its flavor, but for its reliability—you know exactly how it’s going to turn out every time.

Why “Forgotten”?

The name “Forgotten Chicken” might sound odd at first, but there’s a reason behind it. It’s called that because you literally “forget” it in the oven. You don’t need to check it, stir it, or babysit it. Just cover the dish tightly with foil, pop it in the oven, and walk away. After about 90 minutes, you’ll uncover it to find dinner perfectly cooked—chicken that’s tender, rice that’s fluffy, and flavors that blend beautifully.

This no-peek cooking style is what makes it different from typical casseroles. Because it’s cooked low and slow with everything tightly sealed in, the moisture stays locked in, and the rice absorbs all the flavors from the soup and broth.

Some even call it the “set-it-and-forget-it” chicken dish, long before slow cookers made that phrase trendy.

Don’t miss our Thick and Molten Chocolate Chip Cookies to follow up with something sweet after this comfort meal.

Why Long Grain Rice Works Best

When it comes to making a perfect Forgotten Chicken dish, long grain rice isn’t just a suggestion—it’s practically a requirement. The reason? It holds up beautifully to long baking times and absorbs moisture slowly, which is exactly what this dish needs.

Long grain rice, like white basmati or jasmine, cooks evenly throughout the casserole. It doesn’t clump or become mushy like short grain varieties often do. The result is a beautifully textured meal where every bite gives you soft, fluffy rice that’s soaked up all that creamy, chicken-flavored goodness.

Because Forgotten Chicken is baked covered for over an hour, the steam helps the rice cook through gently, without burning the bottom or drying out the chicken. Long grain rice is sturdy enough to maintain its structure in this no-stir cooking process, making it the best choice for anyone who wants reliable results.

Other rice types like instant or parboiled can drastically alter the dish. Instant rice may turn mushy or even disintegrate, while parboiled might not absorb enough liquid in time, leaving a watery base. Stick with uncooked long grain white rice for the perfect balance of tenderness and structure.

Tips for Baking Rice in the Oven with Chicken

Baking rice with chicken can be tricky if you don’t understand the key elements. Here’s how to nail the rice-to-liquid ratio and oven setup for perfect results every time:

Element	Best Practice
Rice type	Uncooked long grain white rice (never pre-cooked)
Liquid ratio	2 cups of liquid (broth + soup) per 1 cup of rice
Bake time	90 minutes at 350°F, tightly covered
Baking dish	9×13 inch glass or ceramic, greased
Covering	Seal tightly with foil to trap steam

Using Regular Rice Instead of Long Grain

If you don’t have long grain rice on hand, you might wonder—can you still make Forgotten Chicken using regular rice? The short answer is yes, but it requires a few smart adjustments.

Regular white rice (short or medium grain) has a higher starch content than long grain varieties. This means it tends to become softer and slightly sticky when baked for a long time. While that might be perfect for risotto, it’s not exactly ideal in a dish where you want fluffy, separate grains.

Still, plenty of home cooks use regular rice successfully by tweaking the liquid ratio and baking time. Here’s what you need to do:

• Reduce the total liquid slightly (use 1 ¾ cups liquid per 1 cup of rice)
• Cut baking time by about 10–15 minutes to avoid over-softening
• Rinse the rice well to remove excess starch before using

Also, consider mixing the rice directly into the soup and broth mixture before pouring it over the chicken. This helps distribute moisture more evenly.

Want to experiment a little? You can even combine half long grain and half regular rice for a slightly creamier base with just enough bite.

Oven-Baking Regular Rice with Chicken

Oven-baking rice with chicken is already a delicate balance, and regular rice makes it trickier. Here are a few methods to ensure it still turns out delicious:

• Always cover the dish tightly with foil. This traps steam and helps the rice cook through without burning.
• Bake at 350°F, but check the dish at the 75-minute mark rather than 90 minutes.
• Avoid stirring during baking. Stirring breaks the grains and releases more starch, making the rice gummy.

For better results, some cooks parboil regular rice for 5 minutes, drain it, and then bake it with the chicken. This gives the grains a head start, preventing uneven doneness.

Using the oven with the right techniques can make even basic rice taste like it was cooked by a pro. The secret is steam and patience—that’s what makes Forgotten Chicken a magic dish.

Check out another bake-to-perfection idea in our Chicken Tamale Pie recipe. It’s packed with layers and slow-baked goodness too.

Top Ingredients for Flavorful Forgotten Chicken

Creating the best forgotten chicken recipe isn’t about reinventing the wheel—it’s about choosing the right ingredients and getting the proportions just right. Most recipes have the same backbone, but the magic happens in the details.

Here’s what you need for the ultimate forgotten chicken casserole:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier results, but breasts work fine too.
• Rice: Stick to uncooked long grain white rice for the best texture.
• Cream soups: A combo of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom adds rich flavor and creamy consistency.
• Liquid: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of water to boost flavor.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, parsley flakes, and onion powder bring everything together.
• Optional add-ins: A dash of sour cream or shredded cheese can level up your casserole.

For those who like to mix it up, try substituting one of the cream soups with cream of celery or even cream of bacon for a smoky twist.

Below is a simple but flavor-packed ingredient list:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless chicken thighs	4–6 pieces
Long grain white rice	1 cup (uncooked)
Cream of chicken soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Chicken broth	1 ½ cups
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Onion powder	1 tsp
Paprika	½ tsp
Salt & pepper	To taste
Parsley flakes	Optional garnish

Crockpot Forgotten Chicken Instructions

You bet—it’s totally possible to adapt Forgotten Chicken for your crockpot. While the original recipe is an oven-baked classic, the slow cooker version is a game-changer for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants dinner ready without using the oven.

The key difference? Time and texture. Crockpots cook low and slow using moist heat, which is perfect for chicken but slightly trickier for rice. Here’s the right way to make sure your rice doesn’t get mushy or uneven.

Crockpot Forgotten Chicken Recipe:

Ingredient	Amount
Boneless chicken breasts or thighs	4–6 pieces
Uncooked long grain white rice	1 cup
Cream of chicken soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Cream of mushroom soup	1 can (10.5 oz)
Chicken broth	1 ½ cups
Seasonings (garlic, onion, paprika)	1 tsp each

Flavorful Add-ins and Substitutions

The beauty of Forgotten Chicken casserole lies in its simplicity—but that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative. Once you’ve nailed the basic version, you can customize it to fit your family’s tastes, dietary needs, or even what’s sitting in your pantry.

Here are delicious add-ins and substitutions to keep your Forgotten Chicken interesting and never boring:

Add-in/Substitute	Flavor Benefit
Sliced mushrooms	Earthy flavor and added texture
Frozen peas or carrots	Pops of color and nutrients
Chopped onions	Depth and sweetness
Bell peppers	Mild spice and crunch
Broccoli florets	Pairs beautifully with cheesy variations
Cream of celery soup	Brighter flavor than mushroom or chicken
Cheddar or mozzarella cheese	Melts into creamy perfection
Sour cream	Adds tang and richness

Pioneer Woman Forgotten Chicken Breakdown

Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, has a knack for reinventing comfort food classics—and yes, she’s got a version of Forgotten Chicken that fans love. While her recipes often start simple, they tend to include a few signature touches that add richness, depth, and that homestyle “Pioneer” twist.

The Pioneer Woman Forgotten Chicken typically includes:

• A mix of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup
• Long grain rice, sometimes parboiled to control texture
• Bone-in chicken thighs or legs for added flavor
• A hint of garlic and fresh herbs
• Grated sharp cheddar cheese added during the last 15 minutes of baking

She often recommends buttering the baking dish and layering the ingredients in a very specific order: rice and liquid mix at the bottom, chicken over the top, and seasoning sprinkled evenly over everything.

What sets her version apart is how she enhances flavor without complicating the recipe. The cheese gives it a melty, slightly crispy top, and the use of bone-in chicken adds depth as the juices seep into the rice while it cooks.

Pioneer Tip: Drummond suggests covering the casserole tightly with foil for the first hour and then uncovering it for the last 15–20 minutes to allow browning and moisture reduction.

Home Cook Tips Inspired by Pioneer Woman

Home cooks who follow Ree Drummond’s recipe often add their own flair. Here are some top-rated tweaks inspired by her take on Forgotten Chicken:

Modification	Result
Mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt	Creamier texture and a slight tang
Use bone-in chicken only on top	Creates richer broth base
Add fresh thyme or rosemary	Boosts aroma and complexity
Stir in diced green chilies	Adds subtle heat
Swap cheddar for pepper jack	Gives it a spicy kick

Undercooked or Overcooked Rice

One of the most common complaints when making Forgotten Chicken is either undercooked rice that’s still crunchy or overcooked rice that turns into mush. Since this dish relies on a set-it-and-forget-it method, nailing the rice texture is all about starting right.

Here’s how to avoid rice-related mishaps:

• Use uncooked long grain rice only – other varieties absorb moisture differently
• Don’t skimp on liquid – ensure you have at least 2 cups of liquid per 1 cup of rice
• Cover tightly – foil traps steam that cooks the rice evenly
• Don’t lift the foil to check – opening the oven during cooking releases vital moisture and heat
• Check your oven’s true temperature – use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s not running too hot or too cool

If you’re using short grain rice or trying brown rice, be ready to adjust both the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice takes longer and requires more liquid, while short grain rice may cook faster and become sticky.

Dry Chicken and How to Prevent It

Another mistake is dry or rubbery chicken, which defeats the comfort-food appeal of this creamy casserole. This usually happens when the chicken is overcooked or lacks enough moisture around it.

Tips to keep your chicken juicy:

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts – they stay moist longer
• Cover tightly with foil to create a steam-baking environment
• Don’t bake longer than 90 minutes at 350°F
• Avoid thin or small pieces of chicken – they dry out faster
• Use broth instead of water – this not only adds flavor but keeps everything hydrated

Another great trick? Coat the chicken lightly in olive oil or butter before laying it on top of the rice. This adds a protective barrier and enhances browning.

Also, placing the chicken skin-side up or bone-side down helps lock in juices and keeps it from drying out.

Lastly, once the dish is done, let it rest uncovered for 5–10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, making the chicken more flavorful and the rice easier to scoop.

How to Store and Reheat Forgotten Chicken Properly

One of the best parts about Forgotten Chicken is that it makes great leftovers—sometimes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. If you’re making a big batch or planning meals ahead, proper storage and reheating are essential to maintain that creamy texture and delicious taste.

Storage Tips:

• Let the casserole cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual portions in sealed containers for up to 3 months.

Freezer Tip: If freezing, label the container with the date and contents. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips:

Method	Instructions
Oven	Preheat to 325°F, cover with foil, bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot
Microwave	Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, heat on medium for 2–3 minutes
Skillet (for small portions)	Heat on low with a splash of broth to revive moisture

Forgotten chicken with long grain rice

Q: Is long grain rice the best option for forgotten chicken?
A: Absolutely. Long grain rice is ideal for Forgotten Chicken because it stays fluffy and doesn’t clump or get sticky during the long baking process. It absorbs the broth and soup gradually, resulting in evenly cooked, flavorful rice.

Forgotten chicken recipe

Q: What are the basic ingredients in a traditional forgotten chicken recipe?
A: The classic recipe includes boneless chicken (usually thighs or breasts), uncooked long grain rice, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, chicken broth, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Everything is layered into one pan, covered, and baked.

Forgotten chicken with regular rice

Q: Can I use regular or short grain rice in forgotten chicken?
A: Yes, but be cautious. Regular rice has more starch, which can make the casserole too soft or sticky. Reduce the liquid slightly, rinse the rice well, and shorten the baking time by about 10–15 minutes for better texture.

Best forgotten chicken recipe

Q: What makes the best forgotten chicken recipe stand out?
A: A perfect forgotten chicken recipe uses thighs for juiciness, two kinds of cream soup (like mushroom and chicken), and long grain rice. Adding garlic, paprika, and finishing with cheese or fresh herbs can make it unforgettable.

Forgotten chicken recipe crockpot

Q: Can forgotten chicken be made in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! Layer the ingredients just like in the oven method—uncooked rice, soup mixture, and chicken on top. Cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, keeping the lid sealed. Don’t stir. The texture will be slightly softer but still delicious.

Forgotten chicken casserole

Q: Is forgotten chicken considered a casserole?
A: Definitely. It’s a classic dump-and-bake chicken and rice casserole that’s easy to assemble, family-friendly, and incredibly satisfying. It combines protein, grains, and creamy soup into a one-pan comfort food wonder.

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