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If you’re looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner, the Forgotten Chicken Recipe is the perfect solution! This classic one-pan meal gets its name because once you assemble the ingredients, you can simply pop it in the oven and “forget” about it while it bakes to perfection. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and tender rice, it’s a comfort food favorite that requires minimal effort but delivers big flavors.
Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, this dump-and-bake recipe is made with simple pantry staples like chicken breasts, rice, cream soups, and onion soup mix. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this dish is practically foolproof. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal cleanup!
What Is Forgotten Chicken? A Classic No-Fuss Recipe
The Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a beloved dump-and-bake dish that has been a staple in home kitchens for generations. It gets its unique name because it requires minimal preparation—simply assemble the ingredients in a casserole dish, place it in the oven, and then “forget” about it while it slowly bakes to perfection. This effortless cooking method makes it an ideal choice for busy families, weeknight dinners, and even meal prepping.
At its core, Forgotten Chicken is a simple combination of chicken breasts, rice, creamy soups, and seasonings, all baked together in one dish. As the casserole bakes, the rice absorbs the rich flavors of the soup and broth, creating a perfectly tender and creamy texture. The chicken remains juicy, flavorful, and infused with the delicious seasonings from the onion soup mix. The result? A hearty, comforting, and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup!
Why Is Forgotten Chicken Recipe So Popular?
This recipe has stood the test of time for several reasons:
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once in the oven, there’s no stirring, flipping, or tending to the dish—it practically cooks itself.
- One-Pan Convenience: Everything bakes in a single casserole dish, which means less cleanup and fewer dirty dishes.
- Budget-Friendly Ingredients: Made with simple, inexpensive pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective meal for families.
- Endless Customization: You can easily modify the recipe by adding vegetables, cheese, or different seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients You Need for the Best Forgotten Chicken Recipe
The beauty of Forgotten Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can create a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Here’s everything you need to make the perfect Forgotten Chicken Recipe:
1. Chicken Breasts in Forgotten Chicken Recipe – Best Cuts and Tips
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. They cook evenly and absorb the rich flavors of the creamy sauce.
- If you prefer, chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness and tenderness.
2. Long-Grain White Rice
- Uncooked long-grain white rice works best because it absorbs liquid while baking, becoming tender and flavorful.
- Avoid instant rice or short-grain rice, as they can become mushy during baking.
- For a healthier twist, brown rice can be substituted, but you may need to increase the cooking time and add more broth.
3. Cream of Chicken & Cream of Mushroom Soup
- These soups add richness and creaminess to the dish while keeping the chicken moist.
- If you’re not a fan of canned soups, you can make a homemade version by combining heavy cream, broth, and seasonings.
- For variation, try using cream of celery soup for a different depth of flavor.
4. Onion Soup Mix
- The dry onion soup mix provides a savory, well-seasoned boost that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- It’s a blend of onion flakes, beef bouillon, and spices, making it a convenient way to season the chicken and rice.
- If you don’t have onion soup mix on hand, you can use a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper as a substitute.
5. Chicken Broth
- Chicken broth or stock adds moisture and infuses the rice with even more flavor.
- Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt level in the dish.
6. Butter
- A few tablespoons of butter add richness and help keep the chicken from drying out.
- You can also use olive oil for a lighter alternative.
7. Seasonings (Optional, but Recommended)
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: Enhance the flavor with a subtle warmth and depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste, depending on the sodium content of the soup and broth.
- Parsley or Fresh Herbs: For a pop of color and freshness, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor
Want to customize your Forgotten Chicken Recipe? Here are some great additions:
- Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle cheddar or parmesan on top for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetables: Add mushrooms, peas, carrots, or bell peppers to make it a well-rounded meal.
- Bacon Bits: A sprinkle of crispy bacon on top adds a smoky, savory touch.
Step-by-Step Guide – How to Make the Perfect Forgotten Chicken
Making Forgotten Chicken is incredibly simple—just mix the ingredients, pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll create a tender, creamy, and flavorful dish with minimal effort. Let’s dive in!
1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start assembling the dish, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and helps the rice absorb the liquid properly.
2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish (or similar size) to hold all the ingredients.
- Lightly grease the dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3: Combine the Rice and Soups
- In the baking dish, add 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice.
- Pour in 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1 can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Mix in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth to create a creamy base that will cook the rice perfectly.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
Optional: If you like extra seasoning, add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, paprika, or black pepper to the mixture for more flavor.
4: Add the Chicken
- Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture.
- If you prefer smaller portions, you can cut the chicken into halves or strips for even cooking.
- Do not stir—the chicken will cook on top while the rice absorbs all the flavorful liquid.
5: Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle 1 packet of dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
- This will give the dish a savory, slightly tangy flavor that blends beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- If you want extra moisture, add 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the top.
6: Cover and Bake
- Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap steam and allow the rice to cook properly.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Resist the temptation to open the foil while baking—this ensures the rice absorbs all the liquid.
7: Check for Doneness
- After 75 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check if the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- If the rice seems a bit undercooked, add ¼ cup more broth, cover again, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8: Let It Rest and Serve
- Once fully cooked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the rice settle and soak up any remaining moisture.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting meal with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or garlic bread.
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