Forgotten Chicken and Rice: A Simple and Hearty Comfort Meal

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that practically cooks itself? Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the answer! This dish is the epitome of a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, where you layer the ingredients in one baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. With just a few pantry staples—like cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, dry onion soup mix, and boneless chicken breasts—this meal comes together effortlessly and delivers on taste.

The rice becomes tender and infused with the savory flavors of the soups and seasoning, while the chicken breasts turn out perfectly juicy and tender. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy evenings, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The best part? You don’t have to stand over the stove or keep checking on it. Simply combine the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and wait for a delicious dinner to be served!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Super Easy to Make

This is the definition of a no-fuss recipe. With just five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can get it in the oven and let it cook while you do other things.

2. One-Pan Wonder

This dish comes together in a single 9×13-inch baking dish, meaning less cleanup afterward. It’s the perfect solution for busy families or anyone who wants a quick, easy dinner.

3. Tender Chicken and Flavorful Rice

The chicken stays moist and juicy, while the rice soaks up all the delicious flavors from the soups and seasonings, resulting in a comforting, flavorful dish that’s satisfying and filling.

4. Great for Meal Prep

Since this dish is simple and makes multiple servings, it’s a great option for meal prepping. Make a big batch and have leftovers for lunch or dinner the next day.

5. Customizable

Feel free to swap out the types of soup, or add vegetables or extra seasonings to make it your own. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to your preferences.

Ingredients

• Uncooked white rice
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of celery soup
• Dry onion soup mix
• Water
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Variations

Add Vegetables

To boost the nutrition of this dish, feel free to toss in some vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, or even mushrooms. They’ll cook right alongside the chicken and rice.

Use Brown Rice

If you prefer brown rice for its added fiber and nutrients, you can use it instead of white rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

Swap the Chicken

This recipe works just as well with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or even chicken drumsticks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Use Different Soups

If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom or celery soups, you can substitute them with other cream-based soups like cream of chicken or even cream of asparagus for a different twist.

Make It Spicy

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture or top the dish with some spicy salsa before baking.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, dry onion soup mix, and water. Stir well to combine, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the soup mixture.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. The chicken will bake on top, staying juicy and tender while the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes. The long cook time ensures the rice is perfectly tender, and the chicken becomes incredibly moist.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Once the dish is done, remove it from the oven and let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the rice to absorb any extra moisture and makes it easier to serve.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Aluminum Foil: Covering the dish with foil ensures that the chicken stays moist and that the rice cooks evenly. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
• Check the Chicken: If using thicker chicken breasts, make sure they are fully cooked. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
• Use a Large Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is the perfect size to hold all the ingredients and allow the rice to cook evenly. If you don’t have one, you can use a similar-sized dish, but make sure it’s large enough to hold everything.
• Adjust for Rice Preferences: If you prefer firmer rice, you can reduce the water by 1/4 cup. If you like softer rice, you can add a bit more water.

How to Serve

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up any leftover creamy rice, and you’ve got a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.

It also works well for a family-style dinner or a potluck gathering. Since the recipe yields multiple servings, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a low-temperature oven until heated through.

Freezing

You can freeze Forgotten Chicken and Rice for later use. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or place the entire dish back in the oven. If reheating from frozen, it may take longer (about 45 minutes to 1 hour) to ensure everything is heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used, but keep in mind that it requires a longer cooking time. Add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time if using brown rice.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Bone-in chicken can be used, but it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?

Yes, you can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken, cream of celery, or any other cream-based soup.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, adding frozen peas, carrots, or even green beans can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Just mix them in with the rice before baking.

5. How long does it take to cook this dish?

The total cooking time is 1 hour and 45 minutes. However, you may need to check the chicken for doneness, depending on its thickness.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

This dish contains white rice and canned soups, which often contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to ensure the soups and any additional seasonings are gluten-free.

7. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. You may need to add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They’re more forgiving and even juicier than chicken breasts.

9. Can I make this with a slow cooker?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker for this recipe. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, place the chicken on top, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.

10. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.

Conclusion

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is a true lifesaver for busy nights when you want something easy and comforting without much effort. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a hearty meal that’s full of flavor. Perfect for families, potlucks, and meal prep, this dish is a must-try for anyone in need of a quick and delicious dinner solution!

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