Amazing Forgotten Chicken is an easy, set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, creamy mushroom sauce, and flavorful rice, this comforting casserole is a family favorite. Simply mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and forget about it while it bakes to perfection. Whether you’re cooking for your family or bringing a dish to a gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part is that it requires minimal effort, making it ideal for hectic schedules. Let’s dive into how to make this amazing and flavorful dish that will leave everyone satisfied.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Season with black pepper.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve the chicken and rice warm. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Chicken Size: If the chicken breasts are large, consider cutting them in half to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook more evenly, preventing the chicken from drying out while waiting for the rice to cook.
- Foil Coverage: Make sure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks properly. The trapped steam is crucial for cooking both the rice and chicken evenly, creating that perfectly moist texture.
- Rice Type: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Avoid using quick-cooking or instant rice, as the cooking time is too long and could lead to mushy rice. For a slightly nutty flavor, you can use basmati or jasmine rice, but avoid using brown rice unless you adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Layering: The key to this recipe’s success is layering the ingredients correctly. The rice should be on the bottom, followed by the creamy soup mixture, then topped with the chicken and onion soup mix. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving helps the flavors settle and ensures that the rice fully absorbs any remaining moisture.
Variations
- Cheesy Forgotten Chicken: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken before baking for a cheesy twist. The cheese adds a delicious richness and melts beautifully over the chicken.
- Vegetable Addition: Stir in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables or chopped broccoli to the rice mixture for added nutrition. This is a great way to make the dish more well-rounded by incorporating some greens.
- Herbed Chicken: Sprinkle dried thyme or rosemary over the chicken breasts for extra flavor. You could also use Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous profile that complements the creamy rice.
- Mushroom Lovers: Add 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms to the rice mixture for more mushroom flavor. The mushrooms will cook down, adding a lovely earthiness to the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or paprika to the onion soup mix for a little heat. This small addition gives the dish an extra kick, perfect for those who like a bit of spice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of water, as brown rice takes longer to cook. Ensure that the chicken stays covered and moist while the rice is cooking.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the moisture, you may want to add a splash of water or chicken broth before reheating.
3. Can I Freeze Forgotten Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. For the best texture, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave.
4. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier than breasts, especially during long baking times. You can use boneless, skinless thighs for this recipe without altering the cooking time.
5. What If My Rice Isn’t Fully Cooked?
If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the initial baking time, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Ensure that there’s enough liquid remaining, as the rice needs adequate moisture to cook properly.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Salad: Serve this dish with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the creamy rice.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for added color, nutrition, and texture contrast.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread complements the creamy, savory flavors of the chicken and rice, and is great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Steamed Asparagus: Steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon juice can add a fresh and zesty note to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile.
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is the ultimate easy comfort food. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory flavors, it’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort. Just mix, bake, and forget about it until it’s ready to enjoy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this casserole is sure to impress. Its versatility allows you to modify the recipe according to your preferences, making it a go-to dish that can be adapted in so many ways. Give this recipe a try, and let the oven do the work while you relax. Enjoy the delicious, satisfying flavors of this forgotten yet unforgettable chicken dish!
