Forgotten Chicken and Rice

why make this recipe

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is an easy and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful casserole that requires minimal effort. Just mix everything together and let the oven do the work! It’s a great one-pot meal that the whole family will enjoy.

how to make Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups instant rice (white or brown)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup diced cooked chicken (to stretch the protein)
Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with the tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and uncooked instant rice. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Pour into the Baking Dish: Transfer the soup and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
Add Optional Ingredients (If Using): Stir in frozen vegetables or shredded cheese if desired. These add-ins can elevate the dish and make it more substantial.
Top with Chicken: Place the raw chicken breasts directly on top of the rice mixture. If they’re particularly thick, consider butterflying them for even cooking.
Sprinkle Soup Mix: Evenly sprinkle the onion soup mix over the top of the chicken. This adds both seasoning and savory depth.
Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Do not lift the foil during baking—this traps the moisture and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
Check for Doneness: After 1 hour, remove the foil. The chicken should be fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C), and the rice should be tender and creamy.
Optional Broil: For a golden top, broil the casserole uncovered for 3–5 minutes until lightly browned.
Let Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This gives the casserole time to set and makes it easier to serve.

how to serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Forgotten Chicken and Rice can be served directly from the casserole dish. Simply scoop portions onto plates and enjoy! Pair it with a simple salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Leftover chicken and rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

tips to make Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Use low-sodium versions of the soups if you want to control the salt content.
For more flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in your favorite seasoning before adding them to the dish.
Experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables to customize the recipe to your taste.

variation (if any)

You can easily switch out the chicken for other proteins, like turkey or pork. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and omit the chicken, adding more vegetables as a substitute.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time.

2. What can I substitute for cream of chicken or mushroom soup?
You can use homemade cream sauce or other canned soups like cream of celery or cream of broccoli.

3. How can I add more flavor to the dish?
You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or incorporate spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor kick.