Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pan meal that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe offers a blend of creamy flavors and tender chicken, making it suitable for family dinners, potlucks, or even meal prep. Its unique combination of cream soups and rice creates a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort while maximizing taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip this dish together before moving on to other tasks.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one baking pan, making it a hassle-free option.
- Flavorful Combination: The mixture of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Lipton onion soup mix provides a rich and savory flavor that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: This dish pairs well with various sides or can be enjoyed on its own for a complete meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple pantry staples keeps costs low without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×13 baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Aluminum foil
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×13 baking pan: Ideal for evenly cooking the chicken and rice together while ensuring proper moisture retention.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining the creamy soups and rice efficiently before transferring to the baking pan.
Ingredients
Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
For the Rice Mixture
- 2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.5 oz can water
For Seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan
First, grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter. This step ensures that nothing sticks during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. The cream of chicken soup
2. The cream of mushroom soup
3. The water
4. The Minute rice
Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Pan
Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Add Chicken
Top with the boneless chicken breasts, arranging them evenly over the rice mixture.
Step 5: Season
Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken breasts for an added layer of flavor.
Step 6: Bake
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for about 1 to 1.5 hours until your chicken is fully cooked through.
Step 7: Optional Cheese Topping
If desired, uncover during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheese on top for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Step 8: Serve
Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving directly from the baking pan, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this quick and delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice!
How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is easy and versatile. This dish can stand alone or be complemented with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavor and presentation.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli: A healthy option that adds color and crunch.
- Roasted Carrots: Sweet and caramelized, they provide a delightful contrast.
- Garden Salad: A simple mix of greens with a light dressing refreshes the palate.
With Sauces or Toppings
- Gravy: Drizzle some homemade or store-bought gravy over the chicken for extra richness.
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess that pairs well with the flavors in the dish.
- Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro sprinkled on top brightens the meal.
With Bread
- Garlic Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls complement each bite of chicken and rice beautifully.
How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To ensure your Forgotten Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these handy tips.
- Choose Quality Chicken: Using fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your oven, you may need to adjust cooking time; always check if the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to elevate the taste beyond the onion soup mix.
- Use Different Rice Types: While Minute rice is convenient, experimenting with jasmine or basmati rice can add unique flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Pairing side dishes with your Forgotten Chicken and Rice can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the dish’s flavors while adding comfort.
- Green Beans Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds offer a crunchy texture.
- Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed salad with veggies provides a nutritious balance to your meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a pop of sweetness that enhances the overall experience.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings some crunch and acidity, balancing rich flavors in the chicken.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad gives a cool contrast to the warm casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Forgotten Chicken and Rice, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Not greasing the pan: Failing to grease the baking pan can result in sticking, making it hard to serve. Always use butter or cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken too soon can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- Using cold chicken: Cold chicken straight from the fridge may not cook evenly. Allow your chicken to reach room temperature before baking for optimal results.
- Ignoring baking time: Overbaking or underbaking can ruin the dish. Check the chicken at 1 hour; it should be fully cooked through but not dry.
- Not customizing flavors: Sticking strictly to the recipe limits flavor potential. Feel free to add herbs or spices that you love for a personal touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for about 3-5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice that many home cooks have.
Can I use frozen chicken for Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Make sure they are fully cooked before serving.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Minute rice works great because it cooks quickly, but you can also use regular white or brown rice if you increase the water slightly.
How do I customize Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
Feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots into the mixture before baking. You can also experiment with different soup flavors!
How long does Forgotten Chicken and Rice last in the refrigerator?
It lasts up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only an easy one-pan meal but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this dish with your favorite spices or vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!
Forgotten Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal, designed for busy weeknights. This delightful one-pan dish combines tender chicken and creamy soups with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks. The rich blend of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and Lipton onion soup mix ensures every bite is bursting with savory goodness. Enjoy this versatile dish on its own or pair it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
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.
- Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until mixed well.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking pan and spread evenly.
- Place the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with Lipton onion soup mix.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
- Optionally add cheese in the last 10 minutes for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (approximately 290g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
