There’s something truly magical about Amazing Forgotten Chicken—a dish that works its cozy charm while you go about your day. This recipe is the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort food, welcoming you home (or to the dinner table) with tender chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a creamy, savory sauce that just begs to be scooped up with every forkful. It’s that nostalgic casserole your family will request over and over, all made effortlessly in a single pan!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Amazing Forgotten Chicken comes together with just a handful of pantry staples that work together to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Each ingredient plays its part to create the creamy, savory, impossibly tender finish that makes this dish so well-loved.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts give you lean, juicy protein and stay perfectly moist baked over the creamy rice.
- Long Grain White Rice: Uncooked rice soaks up all the deliciousness from the sauces and broth, baking up tender beneath the chicken.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds earthy depth and a velvety texture, creating that luxurious sauce around every morsel.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Boosts creaminess while giving the whole casserole its classic homey flavor.
- Water or Chicken Broth: Liquid helps the rice cook through and adds even more moisture and flavor—go for broth if you want a little extra richness.
- Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret weapon! It gives a burst of savory, oniony kick that brings the whole dish together.
- Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle helps each bite pop with subtle flavor.
- Black Pepper: A little hint for balance and gentle warmth.
- Butter (optional): Dotting butter on top at the end amps up the lusciousness of the whole meal—totally optional, but so good!
- Chopped Parsley (optional): A sprinkle right before serving for a fresh burst of color and herby brightness.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. A quick spray or swipe of oil ensures nothing sticks, making both serving and cleanup a breeze. Trust me, it’s an essential little step that will save you some elbow grease later!
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and your choice of water or chicken broth. Make sure you whisk until smooth—this is the magic mixture that gives Amazing Forgotten Chicken its signature creamy, dreamy texture.
Step 3: Add Rice and Seasonings
Now, stir the uncooked long grain rice right into that creamy sauce, then sprinkle in the garlic powder and black pepper. This gets everything evenly coated and ensures each grain of rice soaks up all the savory flavor as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble in the Dish
Pour your creamy rice mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. This is your cozy “bed” for the chicken and guarantees every bite is loaded with saucy goodness.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Top with Flavor
Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly across the chicken—don’t be shy, this is the flavor bomb that gives Amazing Forgotten Chicken its irresistible, golden top. If you’re feeling indulgent, dot a tablespoon of butter over everything for a super-rich finish!
Step 6: Bake Until Tender
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. There’s no need to peek—just let the oven work its magic! The chicken will turn tender and juicy while the rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once the timer goes off, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes (I know, the anticipation!). Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using, then serve up your Amazing Forgotten Chicken straight from the dish—family-style at its finest.
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley brings a welcome pop of color and a hint of freshness to the creamy casserole. For a little extra decadence, grate a bit of Parmesan or scatter some crispy fried onions over the top just before serving.
Side Dishes
Amazing Forgotten Chicken shines with simple sides: think buttery green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted carrots. Fluffy dinner rolls or warm garlic bread are perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce. For something heartier, a scoop of mashed potatoes makes everything even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken sliced over the rice for an elegant touch, or dish out the casserole into individual ramekins for tidy, dinner party-friendly portions. Leftovers also make a fantastic filling for wraps or baked potatoes the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Amazing Forgotten Chicken keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers almost as good as freshly baked!
Freezing
For longer storage, Amazing Forgotten Chicken can be frozen after baking. Cool the casserole completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for future comfort food cravings. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes for a large portion). For single servings, a few minutes in the microwave does the trick. Add a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce and keep everything creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Skinless, boneless chicken thighs work perfectly in Amazing Forgotten Chicken and may even stay a little juicier through the long bake. Just use the same amount by weight and follow the recipe as written.
What if I want to use brown rice?
Brown rice takes longer to cook, so it’s best to partially cook it first or use a quick-cooking variety. Otherwise, you may find the rice stays too firm by the time the chicken is done.
Is it okay to add vegetables?
Definitely! Chopped mushrooms, peas, or broccoli florets can all be mixed in with the rice before baking. Just keep in mind that adding extra veggies could increase the baking time slightly or add more moisture, so keep an eye on the texture.
Why is it called “Forgotten Chicken”?
The name comes from the way you simply assemble the casserole, pop it in the oven, and almost forget about it until dinner time—no need for constant checking or complicated steps. The dish rewards your patience with maximum flavor and ultra-tender results.
Can I prepare Amazing Forgotten Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate for several hours or up to overnight. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking, or add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something truly satisfying that won’t keep you chained to the kitchen, Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a must-try. With its cozy flavors, creamy texture, and utter convenience, this timeless casserole is sure to become a beloved regular at your table. Grab those simple ingredients and experience the ease (and deliciousness) for yourself!
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Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Forgotten Chicken is a comforting and easy one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with creamy rice and savory flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional:
- 1 tbsp butter (for topping)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water/broth until smooth. Add rice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Assemble: Pour mixture into baking dish. Arrange chicken breasts on top, sprinkle with onion soup mix, dot with butter.
- Bake: Cover dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.
Notes
- This dish is called “Forgotten Chicken” because it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- For extra flavor, sear the chicken before baking.
- Variations: Try chicken thighs or a mix of wild and white rice for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
