Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken with creamy rice, making it a family favorite. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner yet delicious enough to impress guests at a dinner party. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup, it’s bound to become your go-to recipe for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have this meal in the oven with little effort.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup creates a rich and comforting flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this dish by adding veggies or using different types of chicken.
- Time-Saving Meal: Cooked all in one pan, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when time is short.
- Feeds a Crowd: With 8 servings, it’s ideal for family dinners or gathering friends around the table.
Tools and Preparation
To make Forgotten Chicken and Rice, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: This size is perfect for holding all the ingredients while ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining your soups and rice effortlessly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the right consistency in your dish.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for Forgotten Chicken and Rice:
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 Flavoring
- 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 to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Rice and Soups
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until well blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking pan. Place the chicken breasts on top evenly.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts for added flavor.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
For an extra touch, uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Step 7: Serve
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving your creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan. Enjoy!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a flavorful and hearty dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add some extra flair, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: A light side that adds color and nutrients.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet and savory, these complement the creamy chicken perfectly.
- Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a light vinaigrette balance the richness of the main dish.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Melts beautifully on top for added creaminess.
- Parmesan Crust: Sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Creamy Goat Cheese: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with chicken.
Accompanied by Breads
- Garlic Breadsticks: Easy to make and great for soaking up any leftover sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls are perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce.
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice even better, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions will ensure your dish is both delicious and satisfying.
- Use Quality Chicken: Choose fresh or high-quality frozen chicken for better flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If using larger pieces of chicken, increase cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Experiment with Spices: Add garlic powder or paprika for extra seasoning.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit before serving helps flavors meld together.
- Incorporate Vegetables: Add frozen peas or corn into the rice mixture for added nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing your Forgotten Chicken and Rice with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to complement this dish.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting combination.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their sweetness balances the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crunchy green beans topped with toasted almonds add texture.
- Cauliflower Gratin: A cheesy vegetable side that pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides a crisp contrast to the warm casserole.
- Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, this salad adds a healthy twist to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Forgotten Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your baking pan with butter to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Measure rice and liquids carefully. Too much liquid can make your dish soupy, while too little can lead to dry chicken.
- Ignoring cook times: Different ovens may vary in temperature. Keep an eye on your dish to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly without drying out.
- Forgetting to cover the pan: Covering with foil traps steam, helping the rice cook perfectly. Leaving it uncovered can lead to uneven cooking.
- Overlooking optional toppings: Adding cheese during the last few minutes of baking can elevate your dish. Don’t miss this chance for extra flavor!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Forgotten Chicken and Rice in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- You can freeze portions of this meal for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20–30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 3–5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice:
What makes Forgotten Chicken and Rice so easy?
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a one-pan meal where you simply mix ingredients, place them in a baking dish, and let the oven do all the work!
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 15-30 minutes to the cooking time.
How do I customize Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots before baking for added nutrition. You can also substitute different soups based on your taste preferences.
What sides pair well with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Serve this dish alongside a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both hearty and healthy.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only simple but also versatile enough to fit any weeknight dinner needs. With countless customization options available, you can tailor this dish to suit your family’s preferences. Try it out today for a warm, comforting meal everyone will love!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish that transforms busy evenings into delectable dinners with minimal effort. This one-pan recipe marries tender chicken with creamy rice, resulting in a meal that’s both hearty and satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings or impressing friends at dinner parties, it requires just a few essential ingredients and simple preparation steps. With its rich flavors from cream of chicken and mushroom soups, this dish not only pleases the palate but also offers easy customization options to suit any taste. Whether you choose to add vegetables or top it with cheese, Forgotten Chicken and Rice is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
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 oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice.
- Pour the mixture into the greased pan and place the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1½ hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Optional: Uncover and add shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
