This Amazing Forgotten Chicken recipe is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that’s perfect for busy days or lazy weekends. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can create a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy. The magic lies in its slow-baking process, making the chicken tender, juicy, and infused with the flavors of a creamy sauce and rice.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation:ย Combine everything in one dish and let the oven do the work.
- Rich flavor:ย The creamy sauce and perfectly cooked rice complement the chicken beautifully.
- Family-friendly:ย A comforting dish thatโs sure to please even picky eaters.
- Great for meal prep:ย Make it ahead of time or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken thighs or breasts
- White rice
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Water or chicken broth
- Onion soup mix
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a large baking dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water (or chicken broth) until well combined. Pour this mixture over the rice.
- Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the rice and sauce. Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and help cook the rice.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. Avoid peeking or removing the foil while baking.
- After 2 hours, remove the dish from the oven, uncover, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings:ย 6
- Prep Time:ย 10 minutes
- Cook Time:ย 2 hours
- Total Time:ย 2 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Vegetables:ย Add frozen peas, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the rice mixture for extra nutrition.
- Cheesy twist:ย Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Herbaceous:ย Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- Protein options:ย Swap chicken for turkey breast or pork chops.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:ย Freeze in portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:ย Warm in the oven at 350ยฐF until heated through or microwave in individual servings. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you may need to adjust the liquid ratio and cooking time, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
2. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
3. What can I substitute for the cream soups?
You can use a homemade cream soup substitute or Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
4. How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?
Ensure the baking dish is tightly covered to trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice.
5. Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but check for doneness earlier, as boneless chicken cooks faster.
6. Is it okay to use instant rice?
Instant rice is not recommended as it may become mushy during the long cooking process.
7. Can I add spices to the recipe?
Certainly! Paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper can enhance the dishโs flavor.
8. Should I sear the chicken before baking?
Itโs not necessary, but searing adds a golden crust and locks in juices.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
10. What side dishes go well with this recipe?
Serve with a fresh salad, steamed green beans, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser, offering comfort and flavor with minimal effort. Whether youโre making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this recipe delivers satisfying results every time. Try it out and let the magic of the “forgotten” technique transform your meal!
PrintAmazing Forgotten Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This “Amazing Forgotten Chicken” is a classic comfort dish that’s incredibly easy to make. With tender chicken baked in a creamy rice mixture, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe for busy nights or when you want a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water (or broth), and uncooked rice. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the rice mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven, carefully uncover, and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of water or broth.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the rice mixture before baking.
- Ensure the foil is sealed tightly to prevent the rice from drying out during cooking.
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