Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it’s a delightful experience that brings comfort to your dining table. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish promises to wow your family and friends without keeping you chained to the kitchen. The creamy textures combined with tender chicken make this recipe a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With simple steps, even novice cooks can whip this up effortlessly.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time spent enjoying your meal.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of cream soups and onion soup mix creates a rich, savory flavor that everyone loves.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever rice you have on hand—white or brown works perfectly!
- Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make Forgotten Chicken and Rice, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your cooking process.
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: The ideal size for this recipe allows the chicken to cook evenly while holding all the delicious flavors.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly 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 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 Topping
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter, ensuring an even layer so nothing sticks during baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice.
- Stir well until everything is mixed thoroughly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Dish
- Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in an even layer.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
- Evenly sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the top of the chicken breasts.
Step 5: Bake It
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the 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 an extra creamy finish.
Step 7: Serve
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple and delightful. This creamy, hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal experience.
Pair with Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to your plate.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots provide a nice contrast to the savory chicken and rice.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the chicken with its crisp romaine and creamy dressing.
- Garden Salad: A garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes offers a refreshing side that balances the meal.
Include Bread Options
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce from the chicken and rice.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be served warm for an extra touch of comfort.
Top with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Adding shredded cheddar cheese on top just before serving gives a melty finish that everyone will love.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To ensure your Forgotten Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts and new packages of rice will enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If using frozen chicken, increase baking time by about 30 minutes to ensure thorough cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Try adding garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick of flavor.
- Use Low-Sodium Soups: Opt for low-sodium versions of cream soups to control salt levels in your dish.
- Let It Rest: Letting the dish sit for five minutes after baking allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some frozen peas or corn during the last 10 minutes of baking for added nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Choosing the right sides can enhance your meal experience with Forgotten Chicken and Rice. Here are some great options.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting addition.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crisp green beans topped with toasted almonds provide a crunchy texture.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings brightness and crunch, making it a great contrast to the soft chicken and rice.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is easy to prepare and pairs well with this hearty main dish.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs adds a healthy twist to your meal.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet potatoes offer a nutritious side that complements savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, there are some common pitfalls that can impact your dish. Here are the mistakes to watch out for:
- Using the wrong rice: Not all rice is created equal. Stick to Minute rice for the best consistency and cooking time.
- Neglecting to grease the pan: Forgetting this step can lead to sticking, making it harder to serve. Always grease your baking pan thoroughly.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can dry it out. Aim for 1 to 1.5 hours as indicated in the recipe.
- Skipping the foil cover: Covering the pan helps retain moisture, which is key for a creamy texture. Don’t skip this vital step.
- Not letting it rest before serving: Allowing it to sit for a few minutes lets flavors meld together and makes serving easier.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best taste.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Label with date; it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice:
What is Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a one-pan meal that combines chicken breasts with creamy soups and rice, baked until tender.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
How do I customize my Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or peas before baking to enhance nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
What should I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with simple side salads or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. With its creamy texture and savory flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or adjust seasonings based on your preferences!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups and rice, resulting in a delightful meal that’s bursting with flavor. With minimal prep time and easy cleanup, you can enjoy more moments at the table with family and friends. The rich, savory flavors from the cream soups and onion soup mix make this dish irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, Forgotten Chicken and Rice will quickly become a favorite in your household.
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 cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice; stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and place chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- Optional: Add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes for an extra creamy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
