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Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.9 from 193 reviews

A comforting and easy one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mixture of instant rice, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, with optional vegetables and cheese for added flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
  • 1 envelope onion soup mix
  • 1 can (about 10 oz) water (to mix with soups and rice)

Optional Add-ins

  • Shredded cheddar cheese, as desired
  • Frozen mixed vegetables, as desired

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Soups and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir in the uncooked instant rice until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Transfer Mixture to Dish: Pour the creamy rice mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out smoothly.
  4. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, gently fold in frozen mixed vegetables or sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the rice mixture to enhance flavor and nutrition.
  5. Place Chicken and Season: Lay the raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the entire dish with the onion soup mix to add savory seasoning.
  6. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes without lifting the foil to ensure even cooking.
  7. Check Doneness and Rest: After baking, check the internal temperature of the chicken to confirm it has reached 165°F (75°C) for food safety. Allow the casserole to rest briefly before serving to let the flavors settle.

Notes

  • Use white or brown instant rice based on your preference; brown rice will add more fiber but might slightly alter cooking time.
  • Do not lift the foil while baking to keep the chicken moist and the rice tender.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn can be added to increase vegetable intake.
  • To add richness, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese before baking or during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: chicken casserole, easy chicken and rice, baked chicken dinner, creamy chicken rice bake, one-dish chicken meal