If you’re looking for a no-fuss, incredibly flavorful dinner that practically cooks itself, then let me introduce you to the Amazing Forgotten Chicken. This recipe earns its name because you can quite literally « forget » about it while it bakes to perfection in the oven. It’s the ultimate dump-and-bake meal, requiring just a few minutes of prep time and simple pantry ingredients. The result? Tender, juicy chicken, creamy rice, and a rich, savory flavor that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or when you’re hosting friends and need a hands-off meal that’s guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, Amazing Forgotten Chicken is sure to become one of your go-to recipes. It’s comfort food at its finest—simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Ready to make a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this easy, hearty recipe!
Ingredients
This recipe keeps it simple and delicious, using ingredients you probably already have in your pantry:
Main Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs, if preferred)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked; do not use instant rice)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix (such as Lipton’s)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a little color and flavor)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Here’s how to make this hands-off Amazing Forgotten Chicken step by step:
1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
3: Assemble the Rice Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until the rice is evenly coated in the creamy soup mixture.
4: Layer the Ingredients
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) on top of the rice mixture, spacing them out evenly.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. This adds tons of savory flavor.
- Dot the top with butter pieces, placing them evenly over the chicken and rice. For extra flavor and a touch of color, sprinkle the chicken with paprika.
5: Cover and Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is key to ensuring the rice cooks perfectly and the chicken stays tender and juicy.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. Avoid the urge to peek! Keeping the dish covered ensures the rice absorbs all the liquid and cooks evenly.
6: Check and Serve
- After 1 hour and 15 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Carefully uncover the foil (watch out for steam!). Check the rice to ensure it’s tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to dish out.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips
- Don’t Peek!: Keeping the dish covered while it bakes is crucial for the rice to cook properly. Peeking can release steam and interrupt the cooking process.
- Rice Matters: Use long-grain white rice for the best results. Instant or quick-cooking rice will not work in this recipe because it’ll overcook and become mushy.
- Soup Options: If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, feel free to swap it with cream of celery or cream of broccoli for a different flavor twist.
- Chicken Choice: Boneless chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts if you prefer darker meat that’s extra juicy.
- Add Vegetables: For a one-dish meal, add frozen peas, carrots, or green beans. Simply mix the vegetables into the rice mixture before layering the chicken on top.
- Cheesy Finish: If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy crust.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the rice creamy.
Freezing:
- This dish freezes well! Cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the rice mixture for a spicy version.
- Veggie Boost: Mix in diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to up the veggie content.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for a flavor boost.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add a tablespoon of minced garlic to the rice mixture and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top for a garlicky, cheesy finish.
- Mexican-Inspired: Use taco seasoning instead of onion soup mix, and swap the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken with a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Nutrition Details
Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used.)
FAQ
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice takes significantly longer to cook, so it’s not ideal for this recipe. Stick to long-grain white rice for the best results.
2. Can I add cheese to this dish?
Yes! Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
3. How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check if you’re unsure.
4. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Combine the ingredients as instructed and cook in the slow cooker on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Just make sure to check that the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
5. What if my rice isn’t fully cooked?
If the rice is still a bit underdone, cover the dish again and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes. You can add a splash of chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
This Amazing Forgotten Chicken is everything you want in a comfort meal—simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. With minimal prep and hands-off baking, it’s perfect for those days when you just need dinner to « take care of itself. » Enjoy the creamy rice, tender chicken, and incredible flavor that’ll keep this dish on repeat in your kitchen! 🍗✨