Forgotten Chicken Recipe

If you’ve never heard of Forgotten Chicken, prepare to fall in love with one of the easiest, most satisfying comfort meals out there. This no-fuss dish practically cooks itself in the oven while you take care of everything else in your day. It’s creamy, savory, tender, and the name fits perfectly—you pop it in the oven, “forget” about it, and come back to a perfectly cooked dinner. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you just don’t want to stand over the stove!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Just a few minutes to assemble everything in one dish—no extra pots or pans needed.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, juicy, and full of rich, cozy flavors that scream home-cooked goodness.
• Feeds a Crowd: Great for families or when you need to bring a dish to a potluck—everyone always wants seconds.
• Foolproof: You really can’t mess this up. Just layer, cover, bake, and forget it till it’s ready!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this ridiculously simple dish:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—tender and juicy once baked low and slow.
• Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: The rice cooks with the chicken, absorbing all those amazing juices and flavors.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and creaminess—classic for creating that luscious sauce.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Brings in that earthy depth and makes the sauce even more flavorful.
• Onion Soup Mix: This seasoning shortcut delivers tons of savory, herby flavor with no extra effort.
• Water: Helps the rice cook through and thins the soups just enough to make a perfect sauce base.
• Butter (optional): Dotting the top with butter before baking gives the dish a glossy, golden finish.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Try one of these easy twists:

• Cheesy Version: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
• Veggie-Loaded: Add a layer of frozen mixed vegetables or fresh sliced mushrooms before placing the chicken.
• Swap the Protein: Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or pork chops for a totally different take.
• Low-Sodium Option: Choose reduced-sodium soups and soup mix if you’re watching salt intake.

How to Make Forgotten Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F. This dish loves a nice, steady heat to cook everything through perfectly.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In a large 9×13-inch baking dish, pour in the uncooked rice and spread it out evenly. Then, place the chicken breasts directly on top.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.

Step 4: Add the Seasoning

Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top—don’t be shy, this is where a lot of the flavor comes from.

Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Remove from the oven and let it sit, still covered, for about 5–10 minutes. This helps the rice soak up any remaining sauce.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Peek: Keep it tightly covered while baking to trap all the moisture and cook the rice evenly.
• Use Thin Chicken Breasts: If your chicken is thick, consider slicing it in half horizontally so it cooks at the same rate as the rice.
• Grease Your Dish: Lightly spray the baking dish before adding ingredients to prevent sticking.
• Add More Flavor: A little garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper can be sprinkled over the chicken for a deeper flavor punch.

How to Serve

This dish is truly a one-pan wonder, but a few sides never hurt:

Garnishes:

Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika adds color and a touch of freshness.

Side Dishes:

Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or some crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce.

Comfort Combo:

Pair with sweet iced tea or a cozy cup of hot apple cider on chilly nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and get even better the next day!

Freezing

Forgotten Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Portion it into containers, let it cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or oven at 325°F. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems a bit dry—this helps bring the creaminess back.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of long grain?
It’s not recommended. Instant rice tends to get mushy with this cooking method. Stick with uncooked long grain white rice for best results.

What if I only have chicken thighs?
No problem! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They stay juicy and flavorful—just make sure they’re cooked through.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the dish a few hours ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s cold.

Why is it called ‘Forgotten Chicken’?
Because you really do forget about it while it bakes! No stirring, flipping, or checking. Just let it do its thing, and it comes out perfect every time.

Final Thoughts

Forgotten Chicken is the kind of recipe that becomes a staple in your kitchen—simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to please. With just a handful of pantry staples and hardly any hands-on time, it’s the ultimate answer to “What’s for dinner?” Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation!

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