Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. This one-pan meal not only saves time but also delights taste buds with its creamy, comforting flavors. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish combines tender chicken with savory rice and rich soups, ensuring a satisfying meal every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few steps, you can prepare a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups creates a creamy sauce that enhances the chicken and rice beautifully.
- Versatile Dish: Great for any occasion, this recipe works well for family dinners or gatherings, making it a go-to choice.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like rice and canned soups keeps this recipe affordable while still being delicious.
- Feeding a Crowd: This recipe serves eight, making it perfect for larger families or sharing with friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, gather your tools to streamline the cooking process. These essential items will ensure you have everything you need at hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: Ideal for evenly cooking all ingredients together, creating a cohesive dish.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine your ingredients seamlessly without mess.
- Aluminum foil: Helps retain moisture during baking, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Ingredients
Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
For the Rice Mixture
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.5 oz can water
For Flavoring
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter using a paper towel or your hands.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice.
- Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture evenly.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts uniformly.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for 1 to 1 ½ hours until chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
- If desired, uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra flavor.
Step 7: Serve
- Once baked, let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice directly from the pan!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple and versatile. This delicious one-pan meal can be enjoyed in many ways, making it a great addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.
Family Style
- Serve directly from the baking pan for a casual family meal. Encourage everyone to help themselves!
With Fresh Herbs
- Top servings with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Accompanied by Sauces
- Offer a side of barbecue sauce or hot sauce for those who like an extra kick with their chicken.
In Bowls
- Create cozy bowls by adding a scoop of Forgotten Chicken and Rice topped with steamed vegetables or a dollop of sour cream.
As Leftovers
- Enjoy cold or reheated as leftovers the next day. It makes for a quick lunch option that’s just as tasty!
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cream soups to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your oven, check the chicken’s doneness around the 1-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas or carrots into the rice mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add garlic powder or paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
- Use Different Rice Types: Try brown rice for a healthier option; just adjust the cooking time if necessary.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with Forgotten Chicken and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy choice that complements the creamy chicken perfectly.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds texture and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A crisp salad balances out the richness of the chicken casserole.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw can add crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall meal experience.
- Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds offer a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with chicken.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, there are a few common errors that can spoil your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the greasing step – Not greasing the baking dish can lead to sticking. Always use butter or cooking spray for easy serving.
- Using cold ingredients – Cold chicken or rice can affect cooking time. Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Not covering with foil – Leaving the pan uncovered can dry out the chicken and rice. Always cover tightly with foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Ignoring resting time – Cutting into the dish right away can result in a watery mess. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and safety.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Use within 2-3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake until heated through (about 20-30 minutes).
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warm (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice:
Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I make gluten-free Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soups and onion soup mix.
What should I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with simple green salads or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. Feel free to experiment!
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is an incredibly versatile dish that combines simplicity with comfort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without much fuss. Customize it with your favorite ingredients to make it truly yours!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect solution for busy weeknights, combining creamy chicken and savory rice into a comforting one-pan meal. This dish is designed for those who crave delicious home-cooked comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice; stir until mixed.
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking pan and lay the chicken breasts evenly on top.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours until chicken is fully cooked.
- If desired, uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
