Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ideal dish for any busy weeknight. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken with creamy rice, making it a comforting choice for families. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for dinner gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal baking in the oven without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of cream of chicken and mushroom soups creates a rich and savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the types of rice or add your favorite vegetables to customize this dish to your liking.
- One-Pan Convenience: Save time on cleanup by cooking everything in one baking pan – less mess means more time to relax!
- Great for Leftovers: This dish holds up well, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon for mixing
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: The right size for this recipe; it allows even cooking while holding all the ingredients comfortably.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining soups and rice before adding them to the baking pan, ensuring all flavors meld together.
Ingredients
Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
Rice
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
Soups
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
Other Ingredients
- 1 10.5 oz can water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter evenly across the bottom.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice.
- Stir until well mixed and all ingredients are incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- Place the boneless chicken breasts on top of the mixture evenly.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the pan tightly with foil.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 1 to 1 ½ hours until chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping
- For an extra touch, uncover during the last 10 minutes and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
Step 7: Serve
- Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your creamy Forgotten Chicken and Rice directly from the baking pan!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is as easy as it is delicious. This one-pan meal can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your family’s tastes.
Family Style
- Serve the dish directly from the baking pan for a rustic, family-style meal. This allows everyone to help themselves and enjoy seconds!
With Fresh Herbs
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh burst of flavor. The herbs add a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.
On a Bed of Greens
- Place a scoop of Forgotten Chicken and Rice on a bed of spinach or mixed greens. The greens provide a nice crunch and balance out the richness of the dish.
Accompanied by Bread
- Pair with warm crusty bread or dinner rolls. This will soak up any extra sauce, making each bite even more delightful.
With a Side Salad
- A simple side salad complements this dish well. Consider a light vinaigrette to keep it refreshing.
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Perfecting Forgotten Chicken and Rice involves a few simple tips that enhance its flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken will yield better results than frozen, ensuring tenderness.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Check for doneness at 1 hour; if using larger chicken pieces, it may need more time.
- Experiment with Spices: Add garlic powder or paprika for an extra kick in flavor.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in frozen peas or carrots before baking for added nutrition and color.
- Top with Cheese: Shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes creates a gooey topping that elevates the dish.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps flavors meld together.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Complementing your Forgotten Chicken and Rice with the right sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic make for a hearty pairing.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and balances out the richness of the chicken dish.
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Seasoned Brussels sprouts bring crunch and depth to your meal.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness, making it a great contrast to the creamy textures of chicken and rice.
- Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn complements savory dishes beautifully; consider grilling it for extra flavor.
- Baked Beans – A side of baked beans offers sweetness that pairs well with savory chicken flavors.
- Cauliflower Rice – For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a healthy alternative while still being filling.
- Garden Salad – A simple garden salad dressed lightly adds freshness without overwhelming your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a few common mistakes can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Greasing: Not greasing the baking pan can cause the dish to stick, making it difficult to serve. Always use butter or cooking spray for easy release.
- Using Cold Chicken: Placing cold chicken directly on the mixture can increase cooking time and uneven cooking. Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before adding it to the pan.
- Overbaking: Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken. Keep an eye on it and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Not Mixing Properly: Failing to mix the soups and rice thoroughly may result in uneven flavor distribution. Stir well to ensure every bite is delicious.
- Ignoring Optional Ingredients: Skipping optional toppings like cheese can lessen flavor richness. Consider adding shredded cheese for a creamy finish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The dish will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags for best results.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway until hot.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice that might help you enjoy this delightful dish even more.
How long does Forgotten Chicken and Rice take to cook?
The total cooking time is approximately 90 minutes, including prep time and baking time.
Can I use frozen chicken for Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you may need to increase your baking time by 15-30 minutes.
What can I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Are there any variations of Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Absolutely! You can customize it by adding vegetables like peas or carrots, or using different types of soup based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not just easy; it’s versatile too! You can tweak ingredients based on what you have at hand. Whether you add veggies or experiment with spices, this one-pan wonder will delight everyone at your table. Give it a try!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights when time is limited. This easy one-pan dish features tender chicken breasts baked with creamy rice, creating a savory and satisfying meal that appeals to the whole family. With minimal prep required, you can simply mix a few ingredients in a baking pan and let the oven work its magic. Plus, its adaptability allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it a versatile dinner option any night of the week.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and Minute rice; stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and place the chicken breasts on top.
- Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 1 to 1½ hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- For an optional cheesy topping, uncover in the last 10 minutes of baking and add shredded cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 383
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 841mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 79mg
