Forgotten Chicken Casserole Recipe

The Forgotten Chicken Casserole Recipe That Everyone Remembers

Memories often dance around a forgotten chicken casserole that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Grandma’s kitchen echoed with warmth whenever she stirred her magical blend of ingredients.

Creamy textures and golden-brown edges promised something special beyond ordinary meals.

Layers of tender chicken nestled between soft vegetables create a symphony of flavors.

Simple ingredients become extraordinary when combined with love and a pinch of creativity.

Home cooking carries stories that reconnect us with cherished moments.

She knew exactly how to turn humble ingredients into something spectacular.

Uncover this delightful recipe and let its magic transform your next dinner.

Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken Casserole

Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender, flavorful protein that forms the heart of this comforting casserole.
  • White Rice: Soft, fluffy grain that creates a delicious base for the dish.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy, rich sauce that adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Salt: Classic seasoning that brings out the natural taste of ingredients.
  • Black Pepper: Mild, aromatic spice that adds a subtle kick.
  • Garlic Powder: Savory powder that provides a warm, deep flavor.
Topping and Moisture Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich, golden ingredient that adds richness and helps create a crispy top.
  • Corn Flakes, Breadcrumbs: Crunchy toppings that provide a delightful texture contrast.
  • Water: Simple liquid that helps blend and cook the ingredients smoothly.

How to Cook Forgotten Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grab a rectangular baking dish and generously coat the inside with cooking spray or butter.

This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Ensure every nook and cranny is covered to protect your delicious creation.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Uncooked white rice
  • Milk
  • Sour cream

Blend these ingredients until they form a smooth, velvety mixture.

The combination will create a rich, comforting base for your casserole that promises to be incredibly satisfying.

Step 3: Layer the Chicken Delight

Spread the chicken pieces evenly across the prepared baking dish.

Pour the creamy rice mixture over the top, making sure to cover the chicken completely.

Sprinkle with:
  • Dried onion flakes
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Gently distribute the seasonings to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and prevent the top from burning.

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for about 1 hour.

For the last 15 minutes, remove the foil to let the top turn a beautiful golden brown.

The chicken should be tender and the rice perfectly cooked.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes.

This allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.

The dish will be steaming hot and incredibly inviting, ready to comfort and satisfy hungry diners.

Tips to Get Forgotten Chicken Casserole Just Right

  • Grease your baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  • Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, and measure carefully to maintain the right moisture balance in the casserole.
  • Arrange chicken pieces evenly in the dish, ensuring they're not overcrowded to promote even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
  • Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for an extra crunchy golden-brown surface that adds delightful texture.
  • Aluminum foil is your secret weapon during initial baking to keep moisture locked in and prevent the top from burning too quickly.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container, preserving the dish for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly.
  • Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Great Pairings for Forgotten Chicken Casserole

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy richness and complements the chicken's mild taste.
  • Crunch Up the Side: Serve a fresh green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's creamy texture and add a bright, zesty contrast.
  • Enhance Comfort Factor: Add buttery roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to bring additional vegetable sweetness and nutritional depth to the meal.
  • Refresh the Palate: Finish with a light lemon sorbet that cleanses the taste buds and provides a refreshing end to the hearty casserole experience.

Recipe Ideas for Forgotten Chicken Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free rice to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable soup instead of cream of chicken soup for a meat-free option.
  • Low-Sodium Alternative: Select low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce added salt to create a heart-friendly version of the casserole.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream soup and coconut milk instead of regular dairy products to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • What makes Forgotten Chicken Casserole so easy to prepare?

This recipe requires minimal prep work and uses basic pantry ingredients like canned soup, rice, and chicken, making it a convenient one-dish meal that practically cooks itself.

  • Can I use different types of rice for this casserole?

Yes, long-grain white rice works best, but you can also use brown rice or wild rice blend. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

  • Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?

No, raw chicken can be added directly to the casserole. The long, slow baking process ensures the chicken cooks thoroughly and becomes tender while absorbing the flavors of the soup and seasonings.

  • How can I prevent the casserole from becoming dry during baking?

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during the first part of baking to trap moisture, and use cream-based soups or add a bit of extra liquid to keep the dish moist and creamy throughout the cooking process.

What Makes Forgotten Chicken Casserole So Easy

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Whip up this casserole with minimal effort, using just a few pantry staples that come together effortlessly for a stress-free meal.
  • Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness that children absolutely adore, making mealtime a delightful experience for the whole family.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Transforms affordable ingredients into a hearty, satisfying dish that stretches your grocery budget without compromising on flavor.
  • One-Pan Dish: Eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, providing a convenient solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious and easy meals.
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Forgotten Chicken Casserole Recipe

Forgotten Chicken Casserole Recipe


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rediscover comfort with this forgotten chicken casserole, a nostalgic dish that whispers tales of home-cooked memories. Creamy layers and golden-brown edges invite you to savor each comforting bite of this classic family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Starches:

  • 2 cups minute rice (brown)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can water (using soup can as measurement)
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
  • 1 envelope lipton onion soup mix

Instructions

  1. Grease a spacious rectangular baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete surface coverage to prevent sticking.
  2. In a generously sized mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and sour cream until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
  3. Fold uncooked rice into the creamy soup blend, stirring thoroughly to distribute the grains evenly throughout the mixture.
  4. Layer diced chicken pieces across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even, uniform base.
  5. Pour the soup and rice mixture over the chicken, spreading carefully to ensure complete coverage and even distribution.
  6. Sprinkle crispy crushed crackers or breadcrumbs across the top of the casserole, creating a golden, crunchy exterior layer.
  7. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, sealing in moisture and preventing excessive surface browning.
  8. Place in a preheated oven and bake until the chicken is tender, rice is fully cooked, and the top turns a delectable golden brown.
  9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for several minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld together before serving.

Notes

  • Prep your baking dish with a generous butter or cooking spray coating to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  • Choose a sturdy ceramic or glass casserole dish that distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking results.
  • Keep rice slightly undercooked during initial mixing, as it will continue absorbing liquid and softening during baking.
  • Test chicken’s doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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