Use /place template in unloaded chunks

I’m working on a system that stores all the X and Z positions where structures need to be placed.
Here’s how it works:
I use /forceload add on the chunk where the structure should go.
I wait 5 seconds.
I run /place template .
I then remove the forceload for that chunk.
It repeats for all stored positions.
The problem:
When I’m far away, the structures don’t generate — but when I go near the area (so the chunk is already loaded), it works perfectly.
I’ve confirmed the commands are running correctly, so it seems like the chunk isn’t actually loaded enough for /place to work, even after forcing it.
Does anyone know why this happens or how to make sure the chunk is fully ready before running /place? This is for a modpack, so it is in minecraft version 1.20.2