Forgotten Chicken
Forgotten Chicken is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe combines tender boneless chicken breasts with a creamy blend of mushroom and chicken soups, along with quick-cooking Minute rice for convenience.
Topped with savory Lipton onion soup mix, the dish is baked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
Simple to assemble in just one baking pan, this dish promises a hearty meal with minimal effort, making it a favorite for both family dinners and potluck gatherings alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This Forgotten Chicken recipe is bound to become a family favorite for several appealing reasons, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Here’s why people will love this dish:
Simple and Convenient Preparation
With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare. It requires no complicated techniques, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels. Just combine the ingredients, place them in a baking pan, and let the oven do the work!
One-Pan Meal
This dish is a true one-pan meal, meaning all the cooking happens in a single baking dish. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also makes cleanup a breeze, which is a significant advantage for busy families or individuals.
Hearty and Satisfying
The combination of tender chicken, creamy soups, and rice creates a hearty and filling dish that is sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it a comforting meal that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
Rich Flavor from the Soups and Onion Mix
The use of cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and Lipton onion soup mix brings a depth of flavor to the dish. These ingredients work together to create a savory sauce that enhances the chicken and rice, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Customizable and Versatile
This recipe can be easily customized based on personal preferences. You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to the rice mixture for added nutrition and color. Additionally, using different types of rice or seasoning can alter the dish to suit varying tastes.
Key Ingredients:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The main protein source, providing tenderness and flavor to the dish. Using boneless and skinless chicken makes it easy to cook and ensures a healthier option.
Minute Rice: This quick-cooking rice is convenient and absorbs the flavors of the creamy sauce, making it a perfect base for the dish. Brown rice can also be used for added nutrition and fiber.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds a rich, creamy texture and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall taste profile.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Complements the cream of mushroom soup and contributes to the creaminess, creating a delicious sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
Lipton Onion Soup Mix: Provides a burst of savory flavor and seasoning, enhancing the dish with its blend of onion and spices.
Butter: Used to grease the baking pan, it adds richness and flavor to the overall dish.
Water: Incorporated from the soup can, it helps create the cooking liquid needed for the rice and sauce.
Forgotten Chicken
Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Minute rice (I used brown rice)
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of water (use one of the soup cans)
1 tbsp. butter
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
Instructions:
Using the 1 tbsp. butter, butter a 9 x 13 baking pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, 1 can of water, and Minute rice.
Pour mixture into buttered pan.
Place chicken breasts on top of mixture.
Sprinkle Lipton onion soup evenly on top of chicken breasts.
Cover pan with foil and place in a preheated oven, 350.
Cook for about 1- 1 1/2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Notes:
Preparation of Baking Pan: Buttering the baking pan ensures that the dish doesn’t stick and adds a subtle richness to the overall flavor.
Combining Soups and Rice: Mixing the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, water, and Minute rice together creates a creamy and flavorful base for the dish. Using Minute rice (or brown rice, as specified) ensures quick cooking and absorbs the creamy sauce well.
Assembly: Pouring the soup and rice mixture into the buttered pan forms the foundation of the dish. This step should be done evenly to ensure even cooking.
Placing Chicken: Placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture ensures they cook gently and absorb the flavors from the creamy sauce as it cooks.
Seasoning: Sprinkling the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts adds a savory, onion-flavored crust and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Baking: Covering the pan with foil before baking at 350°F allows the chicken to cook in a moist environment, preventing it from drying out. The cooking time of 1 to 1 1/2 hours ensures that the chicken cooks through completely and becomes tender.
Checking for Doneness: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature or by cutting into the thickest part to ensure there is no pink meat and the juices run clear.
Resting: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven allows the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serving: Serve the Forgotten Chicken directly from the baking dish, ensuring each portion includes some of the creamy rice mixture and a piece of chicken.
Variations: Feel free to customize the recipe by using different flavors of cream soups (like cream of celery or cream of broccoli), adjusting the amount of seasoning, or adding vegetables like peas or carrots for additional texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1
Calories: 376 | Total Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 1318mg | Carbohydrates: 43g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Protein: 30g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can substitute Minute rice with other types of rice, such as long-grain rice or brown rice, as mentioned in the recipe.
Can I use low-fat or reduced-sodium soup in this recipe?
Yes, you can use low-fat or reduced-sodium versions of cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup to reduce the fat and sodium content if desired.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like diced carrots, peas, or green beans to the mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
How can I ensure that the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later?
Yes, you can prepare the Amazing Forgotten Chicken in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the oven until heated through.
Can I use regular rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can substitute Minute rice with regular rice, but keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
Adjust the cooking time accordingly and ensure the rice is fully cooked.
Can I use homemade cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup?
Yes, you can use homemade versions of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
Adjust the quantities and flavors to your taste.
Can I add other seasonings or herbs to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings or herbs such as garlic powder, thyme, or paprika to add more flavor to the dish.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe.
Just make sure to thaw them properly before placing them on top of the rice mixture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker.
Simply follow the instructions until step 4, then transfer the mixture and chicken breasts to a slow cooker.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.