If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe. It combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with creamy, flavorful rice baked together in one dish, creating a harmony of textures and tastes that’s both nostalgic and delightfully satisfying. This recipe is a brilliant throwback that deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation because it’s simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and impressively delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a vital role in building the flavor and satisfaction you’ll love in this dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy while baking on a bed of rice.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs all those delicious creamy flavors while providing the perfect texture contrast.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and richness to the rice, grounding the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Boosts savory depth and creaminess, making the rice extra luscious.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water: Using the soup can to measure keeps things easy and ensures proper liquid proportions.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix: Sprinkled on top, this brings a punch of aromatics and a bit of texture.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that highlight and balance all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh note and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s perfectly heated by the time you’re ready to bake. This temperature helps the chicken cook evenly while the rice tenderizes and absorbs the creamy soup flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir these until combined so the rice is coated in that delicious creamy base, which will soak in all the flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture, which means all the juices and flavors will seep down and infuse the rice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, making sure every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. This little layer of seasoning elevates the dish with savory and aromatic hints, giving the recipe its signature flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture. Bake it for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, and the rice is soft and creamy. The foil cover keeps everything juicy and ensures even cooking.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and the rice to set just right. Garnish with fresh parsley for added freshness and a lovely green touch that makes the meal pop on the plate.
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the traditional garnish here, but you can also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or sliced green onions to add extra texture and zing. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the creamy richness and bring out all those warm flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the creamy heft of the chicken and rice. A simple cucumber salad with vinegar or a light coleslaw would add refreshing contrast without complicating the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancier touch, serve the chicken breasts sliced on individual plates with the rice elegantly mounded beside them. You could also scoop the rice onto the plate first, then rest the chicken atop. Drizzle a tiny bit of melted butter or extra herb oil on top to create a glossy, inviting finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the chicken moist and the rice creamy. It’s perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners when you don’t feel like cooking from scratch.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. It can stay frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight so it reheats evenly without losing its texture.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or oven covered loosely with foil to maintain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help restore the creamy texture, ensuring every bite remains as comforting as the first.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the baking time and check for tenderness before serving.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup alternatives, or substitute with homemade creamy sauces made from coconut milk or cashew cream for a similar rich texture.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, diced carrots, or peas can be stirred into the rice mixture before baking. Just make sure the added veggies don’t release too much extra liquid to keep the texture balanced.
What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
No worries! You can replace it with a simple blend of dried onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of herbs like thyme or parsley to replicate that savory flavor layer.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also cut into the thickest part to check that it’s no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that brings both comfort and convenience to your table. Whether you know it as a classic family favorite or are discovering it for the first time, it’s a simple, delicious way to impress without stress. Give it a try, and you might find it quickly becomes your go-to meal for cozy nights in or effortless entertaining.
Print
Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a simple, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mixture of rice and soups, infused with savory onion soup mix. Perfect for an effortless dinner, this recipe combines creamy textures with subtle herbaceous notes, resulting in a hearty, flavorful dish that requires minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Mixture
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for the chicken and rice.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended to ensure even cooking and flavor development.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture. Season each piece with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for balanced seasoning.
- Add the Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the entire envelope of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice. This adds extra flavor and depth to the dish.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the dish to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to prevent moisture loss during baking.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or other cuts if preferred, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or herbs like thyme or rosemary into the rice mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole is a great base for adding vegetables such as peas or carrots; add them before baking for additional nutrition.
