The Amazing Forgotten Chicken recipe is the epitome of a simple, satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but yields delicious results. Known for its easy, one-pan preparation, this recipe combines just a handful of pantry staples to create a hearty and flavorful dish that practically cooks itself. The beauty of “Forgotten Chicken” lies in the name—once you’ve assembled the ingredients and placed them in the oven, you can “forget” about it until it’s done. This means there’s no need for constant attention or complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights or any time you want a no-fuss meal.
With creamy layers of tender chicken and rice flavored by the savory onion soup mix, the dish delivers a comforting, homestyle taste that’s both rich and satisfying. The blend of chicken, cream of chicken soup, and onion seasoning creates a flavorful sauce that envelops each bite, while the rice absorbs all the juices for an irresistibly tender texture. Ideal for families and guests alike, the Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a must-try for anyone who appreciates delicious food made easy.
The Amazing Forgotten Chicken recipe relies on a few simple ingredients, each playing a specific role in creating a flavorful, satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts are the star protein, offering a lean and tender texture that cooks evenly in the oven. This cut of chicken is easy to work with, requiring no extra trimming or deboning, and it readily absorbs the flavors of the surrounding sauce and seasonings. As it bakes, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, providing the perfect centerpiece for this comfort dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup serves as the creamy base of the recipe. This canned soup is both convenient and flavorful, adding richness and depth without the need for additional seasoning or thickeners. As it bakes with the water, the soup transforms into a smooth, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken and rice, creating a velvety texture that enhances each bite.
Long Grain Rice is the ideal choice for this dish, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the chicken and sauce without becoming mushy. Long grain rice has a firmer structure, which allows it to hold up well during baking, resulting in a fluffy texture that complements the creamy sauce. Its compatibility with baked dishes makes it perfect for this one-pan meal.
Dry Onion Soup Mix adds a burst of flavor to the recipe with minimal effort. This mix combines savory onion, salt, and spices, infusing the chicken and rice with a rich, slightly sweet onion taste. It eliminates the need for additional spices, making this recipe even easier to prepare.
Finally, Water plays a dual role by helping to cook the rice evenly and diluting the cream of chicken soup to the perfect consistency for baking. It ensures that the rice becomes tender while also creating a creamy sauce that brings the dish together in a perfectly balanced, delicious way.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Amazing Forgotten Chicken
This easy, one-pan recipe comes together with just a few steps, making it perfect for busy cooks who still want a delicious, homemade meal. Follow these detailed instructions for a flawless dish every time.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures that the dish begins cooking immediately and cooks evenly throughout. Without preheating, the chicken and rice may cook unevenly, affecting the texture and consistency of the final dish.
2. Prepare the Rice Layer
Start by creating the base layer of the dish with uncooked rice. Spread one cup of long grain rice evenly across the bottom of a large baking dish, ideally around 9×13 inches. For best results, make sure the rice is level and evenly distributed. This step ensures that the rice cooks uniformly, absorbing the flavors from the sauce and chicken without clumping together.
Using uncooked rice is key to this recipe because it will absorb the sauce and flavors directly in the oven, becoming tender as it bakes. Pre-cooked or partially cooked rice wouldn’t absorb the liquid the same way, resulting in a less cohesive texture and flavor.
3. Add the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer. Make sure to leave a small amount of space between each piece of chicken. Spacing the chicken breasts allows them to cook evenly, and the slight gaps ensure that each piece absorbs the seasoning and sauce. If the chicken breasts are too close together, they may cook unevenly, with the centers taking longer to cook through.
4. Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a medium-sized bowl, combine one can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup with 1 ½ cups of water. Whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and well-blended, with no lumps. Mixing the soup with water helps achieve the right consistency, allowing the sauce to thicken as it bakes while also ensuring the rice absorbs enough liquid to cook fully.
Pour this soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts and rice. Take your time to distribute the sauce so that every piece of chicken and the entire layer of rice is well-covered. This even coating ensures that each bite will be creamy and flavorful, with the rice absorbing the liquid to reach the perfect tenderness.
5. Sprinkle Onion Soup Mix
Now, it’s time to add the dry onion soup mix. Sprinkle the contents of one packet evenly over the chicken and rice. This seasoning step adds depth to the recipe with minimal effort. The onion soup mix not only enhances the savory flavor but also brings out a slightly sweet, caramelized onion taste that complements the creamy sauce.
Distributing the onion soup mix evenly is crucial for a consistent flavor in every bite. Try to avoid clumping so that the seasoning permeates the entire dish as it bakes.
6. Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is vital because it traps steam, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid fully and become tender while baking. Without the foil, the dish might lose moisture, resulting in dry chicken and undercooked rice.
Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Avoid lifting the foil during baking, as this can release steam and affect the cooking process. Letting it bake undisturbed ensures that the flavors meld together and the rice and chicken reach the perfect tenderness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and allow the dish to sit for a few minutes. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the dish’s overall creaminess.
Serve the Amazing Forgotten Chicken hot, directly from the baking dish. For added flavor and presentation, consider garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a simple side salad, adding a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy flavors. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal with family or friends—its effortless preparation and delicious taste make it an instant favorite!
Tips for Perfecting the Amazing Forgotten Chicken
With a few simple tweaks, you can make this recipe even better and customize it to fit dietary needs or personal preferences. Here’s how to perfect your Amazing Forgotten Chicken:
Choosing the Right Dish
For best results, use a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar large, shallow dish that distributes heat evenly. Glass or ceramic dishes are ideal as they conduct heat well and allow for even cooking of both the chicken and rice. A dish that’s too small could crowd the ingredients, leading to uneven cooking, while a dish that’s too large might cause the liquid to evaporate too quickly.
Foil Tenting Tips
Covering the dish tightly with foil is essential to trap steam, which allows the rice to cook fully and the chicken to stay moist. Press the foil firmly around the edges of the baking dish, making sure it’s sealed well without any gaps. For added security, you can use two layers of foil. Proper sealing helps the dish retain moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out and ensuring that the rice absorbs the sauce.
Adjusting for Dietary Needs
To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your onion soup mix is also gluten-free. For a lower sodium version, choose reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup and a low-sodium onion soup mix, or make a homemade blend to control salt levels. This way, you can enjoy the rich flavors without excess sodium.
Add-Ons
For added flavor and nutrition, try adding vegetables like mushrooms, green beans, or diced bell peppers around the chicken. These veggies will bake alongside the chicken, absorbing the sauce’s flavor. To add a hint of spice, sprinkle a dash of paprika or garlic powder over the chicken. These small additions can elevate the dish and add variety without complicating the preparation process.
Nutritional Overview and Benefits
The Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a comforting, balanced meal that provides a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and moderate fat. A typical serving, depending on portion size, includes approximately 400-500 calories. Here’s a quick macronutrient breakdown per serving:
- Protein: About 30-35 grams from the chicken breasts, supporting muscle health and keeping you full.
- Carbohydrates: Roughly 40-45 grams from the rice, offering a sustained source of energy.
- Fat: Around 10-15 grams, mostly from the cream of chicken soup, adding a satisfying creamy texture.
This dish is balanced with protein and carbohydrates, making it a satisfying choice that fuels your body with essential macronutrients. The protein from the chicken aids in muscle maintenance, while the rice provides a hearty carbohydrate base that’s perfect for sustained energy, making this meal both comforting and nutritious.
To reduce calories, consider using a reduced-fat or low-calorie cream of chicken soup. For those watching sodium intake, choose a low-sodium soup and onion mix or opt for homemade seasoning blends. Another option to cut down on fat is by using a light version of the cream soup, which will still provide creaminess but with fewer calories and less fat. These adjustments allow you to enjoy the dish’s rich flavors while fitting it into a healthier eating plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a richer, more tender result. Thighs have a slightly higher fat content, which can enhance the dish’s flavor. However, keep in mind that bone-in cuts may require longer cooking times to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add an extra ¼ to ½ cup of water to ensure the rice becomes tender.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
To make the recipe dairy-free, use a dairy-free cream of chicken alternative, which is often available in specialty or health food stores. You can also substitute with dairy-free cream soups, such as cream of mushroom or a coconut milk-based option.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom or celery soup for a similar creamy texture and flavor. Another option is to make a quick homemade version by combining broth with a roux made from flour and butter or a cornstarch slurry.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish a few hours ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. When it’s time to cook, simply place it in the oven as directed, though you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
The Amazing Forgotten Chicken is the ultimate recipe for those seeking a delicious, low-effort meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or comfort. With its simple ingredients and one-pan preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. The name says it all—once assembled, you can simply “forget” it in the oven and let it cook to perfection.
This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory onion seasoning into a rich, satisfying dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. The addition of rice not only makes it a complete meal but also adds a satisfying base that complements the seasoned chicken beautifully.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, the Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and enjoy. Try this recipe for an effortless yet memorable meal that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen lineup. It’s a true comfort food classic that brings warmth, simplicity, and flavor to your table.
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Amazing Forgotten Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Description
Amazing Forgotten Chicken, a creamy, savory dish perfect for easy, hands-off cooking. With just a few ingredients and a long bake time, this meal lets you “forget” about it in the oven while it transforms into a delicious, comforting dinner. The tender chicken breasts bake on a bed of rice that absorbs all the flavorful juices from the creamy soup and onion seasoning, creating a perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Prepare the Rice Layer:
Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a base layer for the chicken.
3️⃣ Add Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice, leaving a little space between each one.
4️⃣ Mix and Pour the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring both are well-covered.
5️⃣ Sprinkle Onion Soup Mix:
Evenly sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the chicken and rice for an added layer of flavor.
6️⃣ Cover and Bake:
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not remove the foil during baking to allow the rice to fully cook and absorb the flavors.
7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the foil, let the dish sit for a few minutes, and serve hot. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful rice make it a comforting one-pan meal that everyone will love.
Notes
- Keep it covered: Avoid lifting the foil during baking to ensure the rice cooks fully and the chicken stays juicy.
- Customize the soup mix: For a twist, use cream of mushroom soup or add a few tablespoons of sour cream for extra creaminess.
- Add veggies: Try mixing in frozen peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the rice layer for more color and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
