Forgotten Chicken
Forgotten Chicken is a classic, easy-to-make baked dish that requires minimal effort yet delivers a comforting, creamy, and flavorful meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prepping. This dish gets its name because you can "forget" about it while it bakes in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking dish – For even cooking and to hold all the ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the soups and broth.
- Whisk – Helps mix the soup and broth smoothly.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Aluminum foil – To cover the dish and trap moisture while baking.
- Oven – Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
- Butter knife or small spatula – To spread the butter evenly.
- Meat thermometer – Ensures the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Optional Equipment for Variations:
- Slow cooker – If making the slow cooker version.
- Cheese grater – If adding shredded cheese for a cheesy variation.
- Garlic press – If adding fresh garlic for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- 2 tbsp butter cut into small pieces
- Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- ½ tsp garlic powder adds savory depth
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms enhances umami and richness
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs thyme, parsley for freshness
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese extra creaminess
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Layer the Rice: Spread the uncooked long-grain rice evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Prepare the Soup Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth until well combined. Pour this over the rice.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts or thighs over the rice mixture.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- Add Butter: Distribute small pieces of butter over the top.
- Step 2: Baking the Dish to Perfection
- Cover the Dish: Use aluminum foil to cover the baking dish tightly.
- Bake the Chicken: Place in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove the Foil: After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow the top to brown.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
- Step 3: Serving
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or garlic bread.
Notes
Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Use 1½ cups broth instead of 2 cups to prevent excess liquid.
Cheesy Variation: Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into the rice mixture before baking and top with extra cheese in the last 10 minutes.
Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the soup mixture for a kick of heat.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months
Cheesy Variation: Stir ½ cup shredded cheddar into the rice mixture before baking and top with extra cheese in the last 10 minutes.
Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, and 1 tbsp hot sauce to the soup mixture for a kick of heat.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months