Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Effortless: Simply assemble the ingredients and let the oven do the work. Perfect for a hands-off meal.
• Family-Friendly: Creamy and flavorful, this dish appeals to even picky eaters.
• Customizable: Add vegetables, cheese, or your favorite seasonings to make it your own.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups instant 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 (use the empty soup can for measurement)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing

Optional Additions

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen vegetables
• Diced chicken

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter to prevent sticking.
3. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice. Stir until well blended.
4. Assemble Dish: Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking pan. Lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture.
5. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts for added flavor.
6. Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
7. Optional Topping: For a cheesy finish, uncover the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
8. Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetable Boost: Stir in frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli into the rice mixture before baking.
• Cheesy Twist: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts for thighs or diced chicken for bite-sized convenience.
• Whole-Grain Swap: Use instant brown rice for added nutrition without compromising convenience.
• Spice It Up: Add paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. Add a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio and baking time accordingly.

2. Can I use only one type of cream soup?

Absolutely! Substitute with two cans of your preferred cream soup (e.g., two cans of cream of chicken).

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate it overnight. Add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if starting cold.

4. What other toppings can I add?

Consider fried onions, breadcrumbs, or bacon bits for a crispy finish.

5. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze after baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. How do I ensure the rice is fully cooked?

Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps cook the rice.

7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a flavorful and tender alternative.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soup and onion soup mix to make the dish gluten-free.

9. What if I don’t have onion soup mix?

Use a blend of dried onion flakes, beef bouillon powder, and a touch of garlic powder as a substitute.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate no-fuss meal for busy days or cozy evenings. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and endless customization options, this dish promises to be a staple in your recipe rotation. Serve it fresh out of the oven for a warm, hearty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.