This Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a wonderfully easy and comforting one-pan meal. With tender chicken, creamy rice, and a hint of savory onion flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and satisfying. The best part? Once it’s in the oven, you can “forget” about it until dinnertime!
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Baking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 4 | Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup long-grain rice, uncooked
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 1/2 cups water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish and place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth, then pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, without removing the foil during baking. Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal. It’s a comforting dish perfect for a family dinner, and it requires minimal effort.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Helpful Notes
Make sure to cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture while baking, which keeps the chicken juicy and the rice creamy.
Chef Tips
Chef Ina Garten suggests always seasoning chicken with salt and pepper before baking for an extra layer of flavor, and Chef Thomas Keller recommends using chicken broth instead of water to enhance the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice? Yes, but it may need a bit more liquid and extra baking time.
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely. Try adding frozen peas or broccoli in the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, but adjust baking time as thighs may cook slightly faster.
- Can I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Can I prepare it in advance? Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- What if I don’t have onion soup mix? Try seasoning with garlic powder, dried onion flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Can I add cheese? Yes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Does it need extra seasoning? The onion soup mix adds plenty of flavor, but you can add black pepper if desired.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, just use a larger baking dish and add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Why is my rice crunchy? If this happens, try adding a bit more water and covering tightly before baking longer.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting Forgotten Chicken recipe for an effortless, flavorful dinner!