Simple and Tasty Forgotten Chicken Recipe You’ll Want to Try

Mastering forgotten chicken recipe

The forgotten chicken recipe is a delightful, easy-to-prepare baked dish that combines convenience and comforting flavors. It features tender chicken breasts layered over a creamy blend of minute rice, cream of chicken soup, and a dry onion soup mix, all baked together in a single dish. This classic poultry-inspired recipe is known for its “set-it-and-forget-it” nature, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks slowly in the oven.

One of the main reasons home cooks love this heritage chicken dish is its incredible simplicity. With minimal prep work, you can achieve a nutritious and satisfying meal that appeals to a wide range of tastes. Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures a quick, even cooking process, but opting for bone-in pieces can yield juicier meat if preferred. The creamy base of soups combined with rice creates a luscious, comforting texture that complements the mild savoriness of the onion soup mix.

Although the traditional recipe calls for minute rice and cream of chicken soup, you can easily adapt the dish for various dietary needs by selecting gluten-free, low-calorie, or vegan alternatives. For example, swapping the chicken for tofu or using a cream of mushroom soup variation adds new dimensions while maintaining the essence of this classic recipe.

The forgotten chicken recipe emphasizes clean, simple ingredients that deliver a satisfying meal without complicated steps or ingredients.

Mastering this dish early on offers a reliable option for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal-prep convenience. Its versatility makes it perfect for anyone, from busy parents to working professionals looking to prepare wholesome, flavorful meals with minimal fuss.

For more easy chicken dishes that fit into a busy lifestyle, check out Garlic Chicken, another simple yet delicious option.

Benefits and Advantages of forgotten chicken recipe

This classic chicken meal shines with numerous benefits that appeal to a broad audience. One key advantage is its effortless preparation: simply combine ingredients, arrange chicken over the rice mixture, and bake. This hands-off cooking allows you to save time while ensuring a hearty, home-cooked dinner.

From a nutritional standpoint, the forgotten chicken recipe delivers quality protein from the chicken breasts, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The creamy base provides comforting richness without requiring additional fats or complex sauces. Thanks to the use of ready-made soup mixes and instant rice, the dish remains reasonably low in calories, especially with careful ingredient choices.

Its inclusion of dried onion soup mix enhances the chicken’s flavor with mild, savory depth while minimizing the need for extra seasoning. Moreover, the recipe is highly adaptable to dietary restrictions:

• Gluten-Free: Replace standard soup varieties with gluten-free versions or swap soy sauce with tamari.
• Vegan/Plant-Based: Use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken and select vegan soup alternatives.
• Low-Calorie Options: Use cauliflower rice instead of instant rice to reduce carbohydrates and calories.

These variations make the dish practical for families with varied eating preferences. The creamy texture paired with moist chicken creates a meal that feels indulgent yet remains balanced. Additionally, the simplicity ensures consistent results every time, fostering confidence in home cooks of all skill levels.

Using natural herbs and simple canned soup ingredients avoids preservatives or artificial additives often found in processed convenience foods. This recipe combines nourishing components with ease for everyday enjoyment. The forgotten chicken recipe’s moderate sodium levels can be adjusted by choosing low-sodium or homemade versions of the soup and onion mix.

Overall, this traditional chicken dish promotes hassle-free nutritious dining, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful, and adaptable meal option.

For another wholesome, comforting rice-based chicken meal, explore the Parmesan Chicken Rice recipe.

Essential Ingredients for forgotten chicken recipe

Creating the authentic forgotten chicken recipe requires a straightforward set of ingredients, readily available in most kitchens. Each component plays a key role in delivering the dish’s signature flavors and texture. Here’s the complete ingredient list with precise measurements:

• 2 cups minute or instant rice
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (or substitute one can with cream of celery or mushroom soup for variety)
• Approximately 1 can (or 1 to 1.5 cups) of water, measured using an empty soup can
• 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 1 1/2 pounds) or bone-in chicken pieces for moister results
• 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
• Butter for greasing the baking dish
• Salt and pepper to taste (optional)

The rice serves as the base of the dish, soaking up the creamy soup mixture during baking to create a flavorful, tender layer. Using minute or instant rice is essential, as these cook evenly without turning mushy over the extended baking period.

The canned soups provide the creamy, savory richness that defines this baked casserole. Substituting one cream of chicken soup with cream of celery or mushroom soup brings additional depth and variety to the flavor profile.

Chicken breasts provide lean protein, with the option of bone-in parts offering juicier meat. The dry onion soup mix adds a mild onion and herb seasoning, enriching the dish’s taste while keeping seasoning simple.

Butter is used to grease the baking dish, preventing sticking and adding a subtle richness to the rice layer’s edges.

The straightforward nature of these ingredients means you can easily keep them stocked for quick, reliable meal preparation. For tips on making instant rice perfectly, visit this guide by The Kitchn.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your forgotten chicken recipe

This versatile forgotten chicken recipe can be adapted to meet a variety of dietary requirements or preferences. Here are some useful substitutions, organized by common dietary needs:

Vegan and Plant-Based Options

• Replace chicken breasts with firm tofu or tempeh, which provide comparable protein and texture when baked.
• Use vegan cream soups, such as those made from mushrooms or cashews, to maintain the creamy element without dairy.
• Substitute dry onion soup mix with vegan-friendly versions or homemade blends using onion powder, garlic powder, and herbs.

Gluten-Free Alternatives

• Choose gluten-free cream of chicken or mushroom soups, available in many grocery stores.
• Swap regular onion soup mix with gluten-free labeled versions or create your own seasoning blend.
• Replace soy sauce (if using in any variation) with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free seasoning.

Low-Calorie and Low-Carb Modifications

• Use cauliflower rice instead of instant rice to decrease carbohydrate content while maintaining volume.
• Limit butter or use cooking spray to reduce added fats.
• Opt for low-sodium or homemade soups to control salt intake.

Flavor Variation Suggestions

• Swap one can of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to add richer or earthier notes.
• Incorporate herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley alongside the onion soup mix for customized seasoning.
• Add a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for mild heat and smoky flavor.

Thoughtful substitutions allow this heritage poultry dish to fit nearly any dietary preference or ingredient availability without sacrificing taste or convenience.

These substitutions make the forgotten chicken recipe suitable for diverse cooking styles, from plant-based to calorie-conscious diets. Whether you’re cooking for a family with different dietary needs or experimenting on your own, adapting this recipe is simple. For more ideas on how to use onion soup mix creatively, check out this article by Taste of Home.

How to Prepare the Perfect Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

The forgotten chicken recipe is a delightful, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare it perfectly every time.

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and add richness.
2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, approximately 1 can (or 1 to 1.5 cups) of water (measured with an empty soup can), and 2 cups of minute or instant rice until smooth.
3. Assemble the Dish: Pour the soup and rice mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Arrange 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs) evenly over the rice mixture. Optionally, use bone-in pieces for juicier meat.
4. Season: Sprinkle 1 envelope of dry onion soup mix evenly on top of the chicken. Add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake. For boneless chicken breasts, bake for about 90 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and rice has absorbed the liquid. Bone-in pieces may require up to 2 hours.
6. Browning (Optional): For a slightly browned top, remove the foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

For more tips on cooking instant rice perfectly, check out this guide on How to Cook Minute Rice Perfectly.

Mastering Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you are comfortable with the basic forgotten chicken recipe, try these advanced tips and variations to customize the dish to your taste and impress your family and guests.

Advanced Preparation Tips

• Brining Chicken: For juicier and more tender chicken, soak your chicken breasts or pieces in a light saltwater brine for 30 minutes before assembling the dish.
• Herb Variations: Swap the onion soup mix with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, oregano, or thyme to alter the flavor profile subtly.
• Spice It Up: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the onion soup mix or soup base for a spicy kick.

Flavorful Variations

• Soup Substitutes: Substitute one or both cans of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup to deepen the flavor.
• Protein Alternatives: For a vegan twist, replace chicken with marinated seitan, jackfruit, or firm tofu to maintain texture and protein content.
• Vegetable Boost: Add seasonal vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli on or around the chicken before baking for added nutrition and color.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in coconut milk or cashew cream into the soup mixture for an indulgent yet dairy-free creamy texture.

These tweaks let you personalize the classic poultry-inspired recipe while keeping its comfort food charm. For more chicken recipe ideas, you might enjoy the garlic chicken recipe on Recipes Isabella.

How to Store Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Best Practices

Proper storage is essential to preserve the deliciousness and safety of your forgotten chicken recipe. Follow these guidelines to keep leftovers fresh and tasty.

Cooling and Refrigeration

• Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation and sogginess.
• Transfer leftovers to airtight containers to lock in moisture and prevent odors from other foods.
• Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, allowing the flavors to blend further.

Freezing for Longer Storage

• Portion the dish into individual or family-sized servings using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Frozen forgotten chicken recipe can be kept for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Reheat gently either on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the rice moist.
• Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Nutritional Value of Forgotten Chicken Recipe

The forgotten chicken recipe not only pleases the palate but also provides a balanced nutritional profile that fits well into health-conscious diets.

By incorporating vegetables or gluten-free grains, you can further increase fiber and micronutrient intake. For more information on the nutritional benefits of chicken, check this comprehensive external resource.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Simple and Tasty Forgotten Chicken Recipe You’ll Want to Try

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• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free soups and mixes)

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Description

🍽️ This Simple and Tasty Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a comforting one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights, combining creamy soup, tender chicken, and flavorful rice.
🍗 Enjoy a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal family-friendly recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups minute or instant rice
2 cans cream of chicken soup (or substitute one with cream of celery or mushroom soup)
Approximately 1 can (or 1 to 1.5 cups) water, measured by an empty soup can
5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs) or bone-in pieces for juicier meat
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
Butter for greasing the baking dish
Salt and pepper, to taste (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream soups, water, and rice, stirring until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Arrange the chicken breasts or pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
6. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly on top of the chicken.
7. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
8. Bake for 90 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice has absorbed the liquid. For bone-in chicken, baking time may extend up to 2 hours.
9. Optionally, uncover the dish for the last 15-20 minutes to brown the chicken slightly.
10. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Notes

🧂 Use low-sodium soup and onion soup mix if you want to reduce salt intake.
🍳 Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook evenly and faster.
🥦 Serve with steamed vegetables or a simple salad to balance the richness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420 kcal per serving
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg