Forgotten Chicken is a simple, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken breasts, creamy soups, and flavorful rice, this dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Just mix, bake, and forget about it until it’s done. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute rice (brown rice or white rice)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can of water (use one of the soup cans for measurement)
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Butter the Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the melted butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
- Mix Soups and Water:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and the can of water. Mix until smooth.
- Add Rice:
- Stir in the 2 cups of Minute rice until evenly distributed.
- Pour into Baking Dish:
- Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Place Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
- Add Onion Soup Mix:
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts and rice mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Dish
- Cover and Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Check for Doneness:
- After the baking time, check to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. If needed, bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Serve
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken Breasts: Use thinly sliced chicken breasts or pound them to an even thickness for faster and more even cooking.
- Rice: Ensure you use Minute rice or another brand of quick-cooking rice. Regular rice will not cook properly in this recipe.
- Soups: You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with another can of cream of chicken soup if preferred.
Variations
Cheesy Forgotten Chicken
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup and rice mixture before baking for a cheesy twist.
Veggie Forgotten Chicken
- Add Vegetables:
- Mix in 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn) into the soup and rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Forgotten Chicken
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup and rice mixture for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
With Sides
- With Green Beans:
- Serve with steamed green beans or a side salad for a complete meal.
- With Bread:
- Pair with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
With Beverages
- With White Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- With Iced Tea:
- Serve with iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Q: Can I use other types of rice? A: This recipe specifically calls for Minute rice (quick-cooking rice). Using other types of rice may not yield the same results.
Q: What if I don’t have Lipton onion soup mix? A: You can make a homemade version by combining 1/4 cup dried onion flakes, 2 tablespoons beef bouillon granules, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a simple, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its tender chicken breasts, creamy rice, and flavorful onion soup mix, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Forgotten Chicken is easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish with your family and friends!
