Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With minimal preparation, this recipe is perfect for those hectic days when time is limited.
- Flavorful: The combination of cream soups and onion soup mix infuses the chicken and rice with rich, savory flavors.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in a single dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable with different soups or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1½ cups water
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Mix the Soup and Water: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with 1½ cups of water until smooth.
- Combine: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is well-coated.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Avoid removing the foil during baking to retain moisture.
- Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Serve hot, allowing the chicken and rice to absorb the flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Variations
- Soup Substitutions: Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
- Rice Options: Use instant rice to reduce cooking time. If using regular long grain rice, ensure to adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli into the rice mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. To prevent dryness, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Long grain white rice is recommended. If using brown rice or other varieties, cooking times and liquid ratios may need adjustment.
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces instead of boneless breasts?
Yes, but note that bone-in pieces may require a longer cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
While traditionally baked, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for meal planning.
How can I reduce the sodium content?
Opt for low-sodium versions of the soups and onion mix. Additionally, you can make homemade versions to control the salt levels.
What side dishes pair well with Forgotten Chicken?
Steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or roasted asparagus complement this dish nicely, adding freshness and balance to the meal.
Can I add herbs or spices to enhance the flavor?
Certainly. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or spices such as paprika or garlic powder, can be added to the soup mixture for extra flavor.
Is it necessary to cover the dish with foil during baking?
Yes, covering with foil traps moisture, ensuring the rice cooks properly and the chicken remains juicy.
Can I substitute the water with broth?
Using chicken broth instead of water can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
How do I know when the dish is fully cooked?
The dish is done when the rice is tender, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Forgotten Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Forgotten Chicken is an easy, one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked with seasoned rice in a creamy sauce. Just assemble the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and “forget” about it until it’s perfectly cooked. This effortless dish is perfect for busy nights when you want a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1½ cups water (or chicken broth for added flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice.
- Mix Soup & Water: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth.
- Combine & Season: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is coated. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly on top.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes without removing the foil.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Soup Variations: Try cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different taste.
- Rice Substitutes: Instant rice can be used for a quicker cook time, but adjust liquid amounts accordingly.
- Add-Ins: Toss in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli for extra veggies.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
