Forgotten Chicken is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines simplicity with comfort. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, providing the hearty satisfaction of home-cooked food without requiring hours in the kitchen. You can set it in the oven and forget all about it until dinner time, which is where it gets its name. As you gather your ingredients and prep this dish, you’ll quickly realize why it has become a staple in many households.
Why We Love This Forgotten Chicken Recipe
There’s so much to love about Forgotten Chicken, and it starts with its accessibility. The ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy for you to whip this up even on a busy day. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup—another win for anyone who’s ever dreaded doing the dishes!
The creamy texture of the soup bases creates an incredibly moist environment for the chicken, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. The rice cooks perfectly, soaking up all the delicious juices from the chicken, creating an all-in-one dish that’s both filling and satisfying.
Moreover, you can customize Forgotten Chicken to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you’re a fan of extra veggies, you can toss in some chopped carrots or peas. If you love spices, consider adding your favorite seasonings. This recipe is incredibly versatile and easily adaptable.
Finally, there’s something heartwarming about gathering around the table to share a meal made with love, and Forgotten Chicken is your ticket to creating that inviting atmosphere at home.
Ingredients about Forgotten Chicken
To make Forgotten Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups minute rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can water
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- Butter, for greasing the dish
These ingredients all come together to create a symphony of flavors, providing you with a comforting meal fit for any occasion.
How to Make Forgotten Chicken Directions
Making Forgotten Chicken is surprisingly straightforward. Let’s break down the process step by step.
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and the flavors meld beautifully. As you preheat, take a moment to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This step is crucial to prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier later.
Mix the Soups and Rice: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and water. Stir until the mixture is well blended. Next, add in the minute rice. This is where the magic starts; the rice will soak up all the flavors as it cooks.
Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the creamy rice mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, take the chicken breasts and arrange them neatly on top of the rice. This allows the chicken juices to drip down and infuse the rice with flavor.
Season It Up: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This seasoning is key, adding an extra layer of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This retains moisture and helps everything cook evenly. Now, place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes.
Check for Doneness: After 90 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check if the chicken is cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If everything looks good, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Forget about elaborate techniques and just enjoy the simplicity of putting everything together. You’ll be left with a comforting dish that smells divine and tastes even better!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken
Serving Forgotten Chicken is as effortless as making it. Once the dish is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to dish out.
Use a spatula to scoop out generous portions of the chicken along with the rice mixture. You can serve it straight from the baking dish for a casual family dinner, or you can plate it elegantly if you’re hosting a gathering.
To enhance the meal, consider pairing Forgotten Chicken with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. This not only adds color to your table but also brings some freshness to complement the creamy flavors of the chicken and rice.
Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top, like parsley or green onions, will add a touch of brightness and additional flavor. Just remember, this dish is best enjoyed with loved ones, so gather around the table and dig in!
Expert Tips: Forgotten Chicken
To ensure your Forgotten Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish significantly relies on the quality of the ingredients. Opt for high-quality soups and fresh chicken breasts for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish tightly with aluminum foil during baking is essential. This traps moisture and ensures that the chicken remains juicy while the rice absorbs the delicious flavors.
Variations Are Welcome: Feel free to experiment with the ingredients. You can swap out the cream of celery soup for cream of mushroom if that’s your preference. Adding vegetables is an easy way to boost the nutritional value.
Timing is Key: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Ovens can vary, and you want to ensure the chicken is fully cooked but not overcooked, which can lead to dryness.
Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps with serving and enhances the flavors.
With these tips, you’re set to become a Forgotten Chicken expert, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills!
How to Store Forgotten Chicken
Forgotten Chicken can be stored easily, making it a perfect dish for meal prep or leftovers. After serving, allow the dish to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer any uneaten portions into airtight containers.
You can refrigerate these containers for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave until they are warmed through. Keep in mind that the rice may absorb more moisture as it sits, so consider adding a splash of water or broth when reheating.
If you’ve made a larger batch and want to store it for an extended period, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen Forgotten Chicken can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Variations of Forgotten Chicken
While the classic Forgotten Chicken recipe is a favorite for many, there are numerous ways to put a twist on this dish. Here are a few variations you might consider:
Vegetable Medley: Enhance the nutritional value by adding your favorite vegetables. Peas, carrots, or bell peppers can be mixed in with the rice for added flavor and color.
Herbed Chicken: To elevate the flavor of the chicken, consider marinating it with herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or garlic before laying it on top of the rice. This brings a fragrant infusion that takes the dish to another level.
Cheesy Delight: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken before covering it with foil. As it bakes, the cheese melts into a creamy layer that adds extra richness.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the rice mixture. This gives the dish an exciting kick and contrasts well with the creamy soups.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: If gluten is a concern for you, look for gluten-free cream soups and onion soup mix. This adaptation allows you to enjoy Forgotten Chicken while adhering to dietary needs.
With these variations, you have plenty of opportunities to experiment and personalize your Forgotten Chicken experience to suit your taste preferences.
FAQ about Forgotten Chicken
What is Forgotten Chicken?
Forgotten Chicken is an easy-to-make one-pan meal consisting of chicken breasts baked on top of minute rice mixed with cream soups and onion soup mix. It’s known for its simplicity and rich flavors.
How do I ensure my Forgotten Chicken is moist?
To keep your Forgotten Chicken moist, make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with foil while it cooks. This traps steam and prevents the chicken from drying out.
Can I prepare Forgotten Chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare Forgotten Chicken by assembling the ingredients and covering it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just ensure you’re baking it within a day for optimal freshness.
What side dishes go well with Forgotten Chicken?
Forgotten Chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or simple roasted vegetables. Bread rolls or garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to increase the baking time to allow the chicken to cook fully. It’s essential to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Forgotten Chicken
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups minute rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 can water
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1 Tbsp. butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and water. Stir until well blended. Add the minute rice and mix well.
- Spread the creamy rice mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 90 minutes.
- After 90 minutes, remove the foil and check that the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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