If you’ve ever dreamed of a fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, you’re going to love the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe. This gem of a dish brings together tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, flavorful rice blend, all infused with savory mushroom and chicken soup. It’s the kind of meal that practically makes itself while you go about your day—truly a one-pan wonder that delivers comforting flavors with effortless charm. Trust me, once you try this Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe, it’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about the ingredients in this recipe is how simple yet vital each one is. Every element plays a crucial role, whether it’s enriching the texture, layering in savory flavors, or adding that cozy creaminess that makes the dish so irresistible.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide juicy, tender protein that bakes perfectly alongside the rice.
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked): The rice absorbs all the delicious liquids, becoming fluffy and full of flavor.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, earthy creaminess that deepens the overall taste.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Compliments the mushroom soup and keeps the dish wonderfully moist.
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth: Using broth enhances the flavor, but water works just fine too.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix: Sprinkled over the chicken, this seasoning mix provides a burst of savory goodness.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Garlic powder brings its signature aromatic punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the creaminess nicely.
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for topping): Melts over the chicken during baking for an extra luscious finish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous note to brighten the dish.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F.While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your savory creation won’t stick. Think of this as setting the stage for the magic that’s about to happen.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and your choice of water or chicken broth until smooth and combined. This creamy mixture is the heart of the dish, soaking into the rice to create a luscious bed for the chicken.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Stir the uncooked rice directly into the soup mixture along with garlic powder and black pepper. This ensures each grain is flavored from the start, so when it bakes, every bite is perfectly coated with seasoning.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy rice mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, arrange the chicken breasts neatly on top — this layering helps the meat stay juicy while the rice cooks through beneath it.
Step 5: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts, giving the dish a savory onion kick that elevates all the flavors. If you’re using butter, dot the chicken with small pieces for extra richness.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Pop it into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. This slow, steady cooking allows the rice to become tender and the chicken to cook perfectly without drying out.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Once your timer goes off, let the dish rest, still covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. This small pause helps the flavors settle and the rice finish cooking to creamy perfection.
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a cheerful burst of green that not only looks fantastic but adds a touch of herbal brightness to contrast the rich creaminess of the dish. For an extra layer of texture, consider toasted sliced almonds or a light dusting of paprika.
Side Dishes
Because the dish is substantial on its own, I love pairing it with simple, crisp sides like a fresh garden salad or steamed green beans. These add a refreshing crunch and lighten the meal, balancing the creamy, hearty main perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe in the baking dish right at the table for a cozy, family-style vibe. Alternatively, plate each serving with a drizzle of pan juices and a wedge of lemon to brighten flavors instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
This recipe also freezes well. Portion out into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep moisture locked in, or use the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of broth can revive the creamy texture if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and can add even more juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking time if needed, as thighs can sometimes take a little longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to use both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups?
Both soups together create a balanced, savory creaminess that’s key to the flavor, but if you don’t have both, feel free to use two cans of one type. The dish will still be delicious, though the flavor might shift slightly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, look for dairy-free cream soups or make your own creamy base with coconut milk or cashew cream, and check seasoning packets carefully. The butter is optional and can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative.
Is it important to cover the dish with foil during baking?
Yes, covering with foil is essential to keep the moisture in, allowing the rice to cook through gently and the chicken to stay tender. Baking uncovered could lead to dry chicken and undercooked rice.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Add chopped carrots, peas, or mushrooms into the rice mixture before baking for a boost of color, texture, and nutrition. Just keep the pieces small so they cook through during the baking time.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe that makes it a timeless, comforting classic worth keeping in your culinary arsenal. It’s a nostalgic, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Next time you want a dinner that feels like a warm embrace, dive into this recipe and watch it become your new favorite go-to.
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Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a comforting, easy-to-make baked chicken and rice casserole featuring tender chicken breasts cooked atop a creamy mixture of mushroom and chicken soup, rice, and savory seasonings. Designed as a set-it-and-forget-it meal, it requires minimal prep and delivers hearty, flavorful results perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter (optional, for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Soup and Rice: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water or chicken broth until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the uncooked rice, garlic powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Assemble in Dish: Pour the creamy rice mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice layer in a single layer.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts for added flavor. If desired, dot the chicken with butter for extra richness and moistness.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the foil carefully and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving hot.
Notes
- This dish is called “Forgotten Chicken” because it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal—just assemble and bake with minimal effort.
- For extra flavor and a golden exterior, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before placing them on the rice mixture.
- Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative for juicier meat.
- Try mixing wild rice with white rice for added texture and nuttiness.
