Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe

The Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a true kitchen gem for anyone looking to create a hearty, satisfying meal without the hassle. This dish lives up to its name: once it’s in the oven, you can practically forget about it until it’s time to eat. Combining tender chicken breasts with flavorful rice and a savory sauce, it’s a perfect, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 ½ cups water or chicken broth
• 1 packet onion soup mix
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Rice and Soup Mixture

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and 1 ½ cups of water or chicken broth. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
2. Pour the uncooked rice evenly into the prepared baking dish.
3. Pour the soup mixture over the rice, ensuring it covers the grains fully.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and, if desired, garlic powder.
2. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and soup mixture in the dish.

Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix

1. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. This adds a punch of flavor and helps create a savory crust on the chicken during baking.

Step 5: Bake the Dish

1. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Resist the urge to lift the foil and check on the dish while cooking—this helps the rice cook properly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Once the cooking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the rice absorb any remaining moisture.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen before baking. Simply prepare as directed, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

Helpful Notes

• Rice Choice: Long-grain white rice is best for this dish because it cooks evenly with the chicken. Brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid.
• Chicken Variations: If you prefer, use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Liquid Swap: For extra flavor, substitute water with chicken broth.
• Soup Substitutions: If you don’t have cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup on hand, cream of celery soup is a good alternative.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

• Ina Garten: “Always use quality ingredients, even in simple recipes like this. A good chicken broth can elevate the entire dish.”
• Rachael Ray: “A squeeze of lemon juice after baking can add a bright touch to cut through the richness.”
• Gordon Ramsay: “Let your dish rest after baking to allow flavors to meld properly.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use instant rice? No, instant rice will cook too quickly and become mushy. Stick with long-grain rice for the best results.

2. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Add them when mixing the rice and soup base.

3. How do I make it gluten-free? Ensure your cream soups and onion soup mix are gluten-free, as these can contain hidden gluten.

4. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked after 1.5 hours? Return the dish to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, checking periodically and adding a splash of water if necessary.

5. Can I use bone-in chicken pieces? Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through. Bone-in thighs work especially well.

6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15-20 minutes or in the microwave for a quicker option.

7. Is it okay to use a different soup mix? You can experiment with different flavors, such as garlic herb or French onion mix, for unique variations.

8. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker? Yes, layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

9. Can I add cheese to the dish? Absolutely! Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top of the chicken during the last 15 minutes of baking.

10. How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom? Make sure the rice is fully covered by the soup mixture and that the foil is tightly sealed to keep the steam in.

Enjoy this Amazing Forgotten Chicken recipe for an easy, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!