Forgotten Chicken
Forgotten Chicken is a delightful dish that combines creamy flavors with tender chicken, creating a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s worth making for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have the time to spend in the kitchen. This easy, step-by-step recipe is not only simple to follow; it also brings a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals. Whether you’re cooking for your family or having a few friends over, Forgotten Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort for maximum enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Forgotten Chicken stands out in the world of home cooking for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, the prep time is incredibly short—perfect for those evenings when time is not on your side. With just five main ingredients and an easy baking method, you’ll find this recipe is not only simple but also cost-effective. The creamy soups create a rich flavor, and the chicken turns out juicy and tender after baking. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting dinner. It truly is a fuss-free dish that is sure to become a staple in your household!
Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: This brings a creamy and savory base to the dish.
- 2 cups minute rice: Perfectly fluffy when cooked, this rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup: Adds a unique depth of flavor and creaminess that balances the chicken.
- 1 can (use soup can) water: To ensure the rice cooks just right while absorbing all the lovely flavors.
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ lbs): These cutlets become incredibly juicy and flavorful during baking.
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix: This will sprinkle a punch of savory goodness throughout.
- Butter, for greasing dish: A simple yet essential step for preventing sticking.
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for baking your chicken to perfection.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Take a moment to ensure the bottom and sides are well-coated, preventing any sticking.
In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, water, and minute rice until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and aromatic.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. This will create a cozy bed for your chicken.
Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry if they overlap slightly; as they cook, they will meld together beautifully.
Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over everything. This will add a rich flavor that elevates the entire dish.
Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy.
Bake for 90 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the rice will soak up the flavors.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This waiting period allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor.
Tips & Tricks
- Marinate Ahead: For added depth of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the onion soup mix for a few hours prior to preparing the dish.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in some frozen veggies like peas or corn to add color and nutrition.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider using different types of dry soup mixes or adding spices to tailor the dish to your taste preference.
- Use Chicken Stock: Substitute water with chicken stock for an even richer flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Forgotten Chicken can be served as is or paired with a crisp green salad to complement its richness. For those who love heartier sides, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or buttery mashed potatoes. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy night in.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Forgotten Chicken typically contains around 350 calories, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal. It provides protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the rice, offering a good mix of energy and nutrients. As with any dish, remember to balance it with a variety of other food groups throughout the day.
Storing Tips & Variations
Forgotten Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave or place in an oven until warmed through. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer. As for variations, you could use brown rice for a healthier twist or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic enhancement.
Conclusion
There you have it—Forgotten Chicken, a straightforward and comforting dish that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. We encourage you to try this recipe for yourself and share your experiences! Whether you’re savoring it on a quiet weeknight or serving it during a family gathering, Forgotten Chicken is a delicious way to create memorable moments around the dinner table.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it cooks thoroughly.What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even homemade cream sauce as a substitute.How can I make this dish spicier?
Consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the soup mixture for an extra kick.Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes works best to keep everything moist, but you can also use a microwave if you’re short on time.
Forgotten Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup This brings a creamy and savory base to the dish.
- 2 cups minute rice Perfectly fluffy when cooked, this rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 can cream of celery soup Adds a unique depth of flavor and creaminess that balances the chicken.
- 1 can water To ensure the rice cooks just right while absorbing all the lovely flavors.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts These cutlets become incredibly juicy and flavorful during baking.
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix This will sprinkle a punch of savory goodness throughout.
- as needed butter For greasing dish, a simple yet essential step for preventing sticking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, water, and minute rice until well combined.
Assembly
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Place the chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over everything.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Cooking
- Bake for 90 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.