Amazing Forgotten Chicken (Air Fryer Version)
Intro
Forgotten Chicken is one of those timeless comfort meals — tender chicken breasts baked in a creamy, savory sauce over rice, with hardly any prep work. Traditionally, it’s made in the oven for over an hour, but this air fryer adaptation keeps all the flavors intact while cooking faster. The chicken stays juicy thanks to the creamy sauce, and the rice absorbs every bit of flavor from the broth and seasonings. This is the kind of dish that practically cooks itself while you relax — no fancy steps, no constant stirring, just pure home-cooked goodness.
Preheat air fryer: 300°F (150°C) — 3 minutes
Cook chicken & rice together: 300°F (150°C) — 35–40 minutes (covered with foil for first 30 minutes)
Final uncovered cook: 300°F (150°C) — 5–8 minutes to lightly brown top
Ingredients (Serves 4)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup chicken broth
1 packet dry onion soup mix
2 tbsp butter, sliced into small pats
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Dish
In an air fryer–safe baking dish, spread uncooked rice evenly on the bottom.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until smooth.
Pour mixture over the rice and stir gently to coat.
Add the Chicken
Place chicken breasts directly over the rice mixture.
Season with salt, pepper, and sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
Dot with butter pats.
Air Fry Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil (this traps steam so the rice cooks through).
Air fry at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes.
Uncover & Finish
Remove foil carefully (watch for hot steam).
Continue cooking at 300°F (150°C) for another 5–8 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C) and rice is tender.
Serve
Fluff rice gently before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Serve with steamed veggies or a side salad for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Pro Tip
If your air fryer runs hot or your chicken breasts are thin, check them at the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking. You can swap white rice for parboiled rice to ensure even faster, foolproof cooking.
If you want, I can also make you a creamy garlic & herb twist on this recipe that takes it to restaurant level while still being “set it and forget it.