Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with flavorful rice in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying dinner option. With minimal prep and just one pan, you can enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal without the fuss. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish allows you to spend more time with your family.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and onion soup mix creates a rich flavor profile.
- Versatile Meal: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 8 servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your experience when making Forgotten Chicken and Rice.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for evenly cooking all ingredients together while providing ample space for the chicken and rice.
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all liquid ingredients efficiently before pouring them into the baking pan.
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
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
For the Sauces
- 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 Seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Pan
Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter to prevent sticking.
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 well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble in Baking Pan
Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking pan. Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Evenly sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra layer of flavor, uncover and sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Serve
Once done, let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy Forgotten Chicken and Rice directly from the pan!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice can be as simple or as elaborate as you desire. This dish is versatile and pairs well with many sides, making it an ideal choice for a comforting weeknight meal.
Classic Comfort
- With a side salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch and balances the creamy chicken.
- Garlic bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Family Style
- In the pan: Serve directly from the baking pan for a casual family dinner.
- On individual plates: Plate up servings with rice piled high next to the chicken for a neat presentation.
Special Touches
- Garnished with herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives on top for color and extra flavor.
- With lemon wedges: Provide lemon wedges on the side to add a zesty kick when squeezed over the dish.
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Perfecting your Forgotten Chicken and Rice can elevate this simple meal into something extraordinary. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly each time.
- Use quality chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust liquid levels: If you prefer drier rice, slightly reduce the water in the recipe. For creamier rice, keep it as is.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs for an added depth of flavor.
- Check doneness carefully: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe eating.
- Let it rest: Allowing the dish to sit after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.
- Try different rice types: Brown rice or even flavored rice can be swapped for more variety in taste and texture.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing sides with Forgotten Chicken and Rice adds variety to your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty dish.
- Steamed broccoli: Brightens up the plate while adding nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Roasted carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a contrasting texture that works well with creamy rice.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting experience alongside this flavorful main course.
- Corn on the cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely, adding sweetness and texture—perfect for summer meals.
- Baked beans: Hearty baked beans bring in protein while enhancing the comfort food vibe of this dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking Forgotten Chicken and Rice can be a breeze, but there are some common mistakes that can hinder your results.
- Using the wrong rice: Many people forget that using the right type of rice is crucial. Stick to Minute rice for best results, as it cooks perfectly in this dish.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dry meat. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness.
- Not greasing the pan: Forgetting to grease your baking pan can cause sticking. Always use butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving.
- Skipping the foil cover: Covering the pan tightly with foil helps retain moisture. Don’t skip this step to avoid dry chicken and rice.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting or adjusting seasonings can result in bland flavors. Feel free to add herbs or spices according to your taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers for storage.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and bake until heated through. This keeps it moist and delicious.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals. Stir between heating for even warming.
- Stovetop: Add a bit of water, cover, and heat on low while stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice.
What is Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a simple one-pan meal where chicken is baked on a creamy rice mixture, making it easy and delicious.
How long does it take to cook Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
The total time is about 100 minutes, including prep time of 10 minutes and cooking time of 90 minutes.
Can I customize my Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition or swap out the cream soups for different flavors.
Is Forgotten Chicken and Rice healthy?
This dish can be part of a balanced diet. For healthier options, consider using brown rice or adding fresh vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is an incredible weeknight meal that combines ease with delightful flavors. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it a wonderful choice for any family dinner. Give this recipe a try; you won’t regret it!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect weeknight meal that combines tender chicken with creamy rice in a single pan. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this dish makes for an effortless yet satisfying dinner, ideal for busy families. The rich flavors from cream soups and onion soup mix create a comforting meal everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re hosting friends or having a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings!
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.
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice; stir until mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan and place the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- If desired, uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
