A Retro Baked Chicken & Rice Casserole That’s Too Good to Stay Forgotten
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a comforting, one-dish wonder that layers tender chicken with creamy soup and fluffy minute rice—all baked together into golden, savory perfection. With the rich flavors of cream of chicken and celery soups and a punch of onion soup mix—it’s a throwback recipe that deserves a spot on your dinner table.
A hearty, hands-off meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥣 Creamy Comfort: The soup mixture creates a rich, silky sauce as it bakes.
- 🍚 Minute Rice Magic: Absorbs all the flavor without needing pre-cooking.
- ⏱️ Easy One-Pan Meal: Just layer and bake—no extra pots or pans needed.
- 🧑🍳 Great for Beginners: No fancy techniques—just assemble and forget in the oven.
- ❄️ Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for future meals.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Base:
- 2 cups minute rice (instant rice – no need to cook beforehand)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 can water (use the empty soup can for measuring)
For the Chicken Layer:
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ lbs total)
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix (classic seasoning base – about 1 oz)
To Finish:
- Butter (for greasing the baking dish – adds richness and prevents sticking)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter or oil .
Set aside while preparing the rice and soup mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Soup & Water
In a large bowl:
- Combine both cans of soup:
- Cream of chicken
- Cream of celery
- Add one can of water (from the empty soup can – balances thickness and helps rice cook)
- Stir until smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Spread the minute rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Pour the soup-water mixture over the rice and spread gently.
Place the chicken pieces evenly on top of the soup layer.
Sprinkle the onion soup mix over everything—this gives the dish its signature depth and aroma.
Step 4: Cover & Bake Low and Slow
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and steam.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 2–2½ hours , or until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Tip: Don’t peek! Let it bake undisturbed for best results.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once done, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
This allows the rice to firm up slightly and the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Serve Warm & Hearty
Scoop out portions of chicken, rice, and sauce—serve warm as-is or with a side of steamed vegetables or crusty bread.
Each bite brings together:
- Creamy soup base
- Fluffy, seasoned rice
- Tender, juicy chicken
- And that classic onion soup pop
It’s the ultimate comfort food comeback!
Tips for Success:
- 🍲 Use Instant Rice Only: Regular rice won’t cook properly in this method.
- 🥩 Bone-In Option: For deeper flavor, use bone-in thighs—but increase baking time slightly.
- 🧀 Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar on top halfway through baking.
- 🌱 Add Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or green beans with the rice for more nutrition.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—bake fresh when ready.
Serving Suggestions:
- Perfect for school lunches, potlucks, or weeknight dinners.
- Great with a side salad or garlic toast.
- Ideal for meal prepping—reheats beautifully in the microwave.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 6 servings – approximate):
(With regular chicken thighs and canned soups – per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~15g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe proves that some old-school dishes deserve to be remembered—and remade regularly. With its soft rice, creamy soup base, and seasoned chicken—it’s a nostalgic, satisfying dish you’ll want to keep in rotation.
