Introduction
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, delicious meal that practically cooks itself, this Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. With minimal preparation and a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a comforting and satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Read on to discover how you can make this tasty and effortless dish, with step-by-step instructions and tips for serving, pairing, and even adding variations.
Overview of the Recipe
The Easy Forgotten Chicken is a classic one-pan dish that combines tender chicken breasts with creamy, flavorful rice. The recipe calls for just a few pantry staples like uncooked rice, canned soups, chicken broth, and dry onion soup mix, making it a convenient option when you need to whip up dinner without a trip to the grocery store. The chicken and rice cook together in the oven, absorbing all the delicious flavors from the soups and broth, resulting in a moist and savory meal. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees a satisfying dish with minimal effort.
History and Origin
The concept of one-pan or one-pot meals has been around for centuries, with roots in various culinary traditions worldwide. These types of meals were initially popular due to their practicality—requiring fewer ingredients, less cleanup, and often, less time to prepare. The Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe is a modern adaptation of these classic one-pan meals, designed to be simple and quick while delivering maximum flavor. The use of canned soups and dry onion soup mix reflects the mid-20th century American cooking trend, where convenience foods became popular in household kitchens.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9Ă—13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil. This step ensures that the rice and chicken do not stick to the dish during baking, making cleanup easier.
2. Assemble the Ingredients:
- Evenly spread the uncooked rice across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This creates the base for the dish.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and water. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is fully covered by the liquid. This is crucial for the rice to cook properly and absorb the flavors.
3. Add the Chicken:
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly on top of the rice and soup mixture. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken breasts. This adds a burst of flavor and a slight crunch to the dish.
4. Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap steam and moisture, allowing the rice to cook evenly and the chicken to stay tender.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, carefully remove the foil (be cautious of the hot steam). Continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice is tender.
- The dish is ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center, and the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is soft and flavorful.
5. Serve:
- Once the Easy Forgotten Chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve the chicken with a generous portion of the creamy rice mixture. Enjoy this comforting dish hot.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Easy Forgotten Chicken is a hearty, filling dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots for a balanced meal. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the dish. For added texture, you can serve it with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls. This meal pairs well with a refreshing beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a light sparkling water with a splash of citrus.
Variations of the Recipe
The Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Vegetable Addition: Add sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or chopped bell peppers to the rice mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. These vegetables will cook along with the rice and chicken, enhancing the overall dish.
- Cheesy Version: For a richer, creamier dish, sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top of the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.
- Spicy Twist: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the chicken before baking.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano by mixing them into the soup mixture or sprinkling them on top of the chicken. This can give the dish a more aromatic and earthy flavor profile.
- Different Proteins: While the recipe calls for chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs, turkey breasts, or even turkey bacon for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
Health Benefits
This Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe provides a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying meal that can be part of a balanced diet. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body maintenance. The rice provides energy-boosting carbohydrates, while the soups contribute to the creamy texture without the need for additional fats like butter or cream.
For those watching their sodium intake, consider using low-sodium versions of the canned soups and broth, and reduce the amount of dry onion soup mix. Adding vegetables to the dish can increase its fiber content, contributing to better digestion and satiety.
FAQs
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but be aware that brown rice has a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the baking time and liquid ratio accordingly. Brown rice might require more broth or water to cook properly.
2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or preparing in advance for a busy day.
3. Can I freeze Easy Forgotten Chicken? Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
4. What can I use instead of dry onion soup mix? If you don’t have dry onion soup mix on hand, you can create a simple substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. This homemade version will give a similar flavor to the dish.
5. How can I make this dish gluten-free? To make the Easy Forgotten Chicken gluten-free, use gluten-free canned soups and check that the dry onion soup mix or its substitute is gluten-free. Additionally, ensure that the rice you are using is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Easy Forgotten Chicken is a fantastic recipe for those days when you need a comforting, home-cooked meal without the hassle. With its simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s a dish that fits perfectly into busy lifestyles. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. Plus, with the various ways to customize it, you can enjoy this meal in different forms again and again. So go ahead, give this Easy Forgotten Chicken a try, and let it become a staple in your recipe collection!