The classic forgotten chicken recipe is a hearty, comforting dish that is easy to prepare and practically cooks itself. This recipe, made famous by busy families for its set-it-and-forget-it simplicity, brings flavorful chicken together with rice for a one-pot meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. In this guide, we’ll explore how to make the perfect forgotten chicken, with tips for ensuring your chicken is juicy and your rice flavorful every time.
What Is Forgotten Chicken?
“Forgotten chicken” is named for its ease of preparation. You can simply put everything together, set it in the oven, and almost forget about it while it cooks to perfection. It’s a dish that takes the pressure off when you’re managing a busy schedule but still want a hearty meal on the table. The blend of flavors between the chicken, rice, and cream-based soups creates a rich, comforting dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients for the Forgotten Chicken Recipe
To make this forgotten chicken recipe, you need ingredients that are likely already in your pantry:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups uncooked long grain rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet dry onion soup mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Forgotten Chicken
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your oven is hot and ready when it’s time to cook your forgotten chicken recipe, making sure that everything bakes evenly and to perfection.
- Mix the Rice and Soups: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked long grain rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Season the Mixture: Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your rice and soup mixture. This step helps in adding more depth to the flavor, ensuring the rice and chicken stay flavorful throughout the cooking process.
Step 2: Assemble the Dish
- In a large baking dish, spread the rice and soup mixture evenly across the bottom to create a solid base for your forgotten chicken recipe, ensuring that the flavors blend perfectly throughout the baking process.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Make sure the chicken breasts are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top of the chicken breasts for an extra boost of flavor.
Step 3: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes to create the perfect forgotten chicken recipe, ensuring that the chicken stays moist and the rice absorbs all the rich flavors.
- Tip: Keeping the dish covered will trap moisture, helping both the chicken and rice stay moist and flavorful.
- Optional: Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if you’d like a slightly crispy texture on top.
Tips for Making Juicy Chicken
1. Choose the Right Chicken Breasts
Using fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts is key for the perfect forgotten chicken recipe. Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size so that they cook evenly. If you find the breasts are too thick, consider pounding them to even thickness to ensure they blend well with the flavors of your forgotten chicken recipe.
2. Keep It Covered
The secret to keeping chicken juicy lies in cooking it at the right temperature with adequate moisture. Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil helps seal in moisture, allowing the steam to keep the chicken tender.
Variations of the Forgotten Chicken Recipe
This versatile forgotten chicken recipe can be adjusted to suit different preferences, making it the perfect dish for any occasion:
- Mushroom Lover’s Forgotten Chicken: Add a cup of sliced mushrooms to the rice mixture for a rich, earthy flavor.
- Cheesy Forgotten Chicken: Before serving, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and let it melt for 5 minutes in the oven.
- Vegetable Forgotten Chicken: Add a cup of mixed vegetables (such as peas and carrots) to the rice mixture to make it a complete one-pot meal.
Healthier Alternatives
Least Fattening Way to Cook Chicken
To make this dish lighter, try substituting some ingredients:
- Use low-fat cream soups in place of regular cream soups to reduce the calorie count.
- Consider using brown rice instead of white rice for this forgotten chicken recipe. Although it may require a longer cooking time, brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, making this set-it-and-forget-it chicken recipe even healthier and more satisfying.
- Replace chicken broth with low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall sodium content of the meal.
How to Store and Reheat Forgotten Chicken
If you have leftovers from your forgotten chicken recipe, storing and reheating properly will ensure the dish remains just as delicious.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Allow the forgotten chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and rice in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to label with the date to keep track. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the forgotten chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Microwave: Place a portion of forgotten chicken in a microwave-safe container. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even heating.
The History of Forgotten Chicken
The origins of the forgotten chicken recipe can be traced back to the mid-20th century, during a time when convenience became a critical factor in cooking. As more households began to have both parents working outside the home, the demand for easy, one-pot meals that could be prepped quickly increased.
This dish gained popularity due to its simplicity and versatility. The combination of readily available pantry items such as canned soups, chicken, and rice, along with its easy cooking method, made this forgotten chicken recipe a go-to meal for families seeking comfort food with minimal fuss. Forgotten chicken has remained a favorite, passed down through generations, because of its nostalgic flavor and ability to bring people together around the dinner table.
Creative Twists on Forgotten Chicken
Mexican-Inspired Forgotten Chicken
For a flavorful twist, you can easily make a Mexican-inspired version of the forgotten chicken recipe:
- Replace the cream soups with cream of poblano or cream of corn.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the rice mixture.
- Top with diced tomatoes and shredded Mexican cheese blend before baking.
- Serve with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added zest.
Italian Forgotten Chicken
For an Italian-style forgotten chicken dish:
- Substitute the cream soups with cream of tomato or cream of basil.
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning with the rice mixture.
- Add sliced bell peppers and minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken before serving.
Forgotten Chicken for Different Diets
This forgotten chicken recipe can be adjusted to accommodate various dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this comforting one-pot chicken dinner:
Gluten-Free Forgotten Chicken
- Use gluten-free cream soups. Many brands offer alternatives that are specifically marked as gluten-free.
- Ensure the dry onion soup mix is also gluten-free, as some may contain hidden sources of gluten.
Dairy-Free Forgotten Chicken
- Substitute the cream soups with dairy-free cream alternatives made from cashew or coconut.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to add more flavor without dairy components.
Low-Carb Forgotten Chicken
If you’re looking to cut down on carbs, you can make a low-carb version:
- Replace the rice with cauliflower rice. Since cauliflower cooks faster, you may need to reduce the cooking time to ensure the texture remains pleasant.
- Use unsweetened coconut cream in place of the cream soups to maintain the creamy texture while keeping it low-carb.
Making Forgotten Chicken in a Slow Cooker
If you prefer to use a slow cooker for this forgotten chicken recipe, it’s easy to adapt.
Ingredients Adjustments
- Rice: Use parboiled or converted rice, as regular long grain rice may become too mushy in a slow cooker.
- Cooking Time: Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Directions
- Layer the rice mixture on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Place the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with dry onion soup mix.
- Cover and cook as directed. The slow cooking process will infuse the chicken and rice with deep, rich flavors.
Serving Forgotten Chicken for Gatherings
Forgotten chicken is perfect for gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to scale up and always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Scaling the Recipe
- Doubling the Recipe: If doubling, use a larger baking dish or split between two dishes to ensure even cooking.
- Adjusting Cook Time: When increasing the quantity, you may need to add an additional 15-20 minutes of cooking time to ensure everything is fully cooked.
Presentation Ideas
- Serve the forgotten chicken directly in the baking dish to emphasize its rustic, home-cooked appeal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for added color and freshness.
More Forgotten Chicken Variations for Added Creativity
Barbecue Forgotten Chicken
Add a barbecue twist to your forgotten chicken for a smoky, tangy flavor:
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of onion or omit it and use barbecue sauce instead.
- Add ½ cup of your favorite barbecue sauce into the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle with smoked paprika for extra smoky depth.
- Top with diced green onions before serving for added freshness.
Mediterranean Forgotten Chicken
Bring Mediterranean flavors into your dish with these easy tweaks:
- Replace the cream soups with a combination of cream of celery and 1 cup of Greek yogurt.
- Add 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes.
- Include kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese just before serving for an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Curry Forgotten Chicken
Create a curry-infused version of forgotten chicken to excite your taste buds:
- Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of coconut or cream of curry.
- Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of turmeric into the rice mixture.
- Mix in ½ cup of peas and ½ cup of finely diced onions for added flavor and texture.
- Serve garnished with fresh cilantro.
Pairing Forgotten Chicken with Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
- Iced Lemon Tea: A cold, refreshing iced lemon tea helps cut through the creaminess of the dish.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: Sparkling water with a hint of lime provides a crisp contrast to the comforting flavors.
Alcoholic Pairings
- Chardonnay: A lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory chicken and rice.
- Light Lager: The crispness of a light lager works well to balance out the richness of the dish.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Forgotten Chicken
What Is the Secret to Juicy Chicken?
The secret lies in keeping the chicken covered during cooking to trap moisture. Another tip is not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature can help you avoid dry chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How to Make Chicken More Flavorful?
Use a dry rub with spices like garlic powder, paprika, and onion soup mix. You can also marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour before assembling the dish for enhanced flavor.
What Is the Least Fattening Way to Cook Chicken?
Baking is one of the least fattening methods to cook chicken, especially if you avoid using excessive amounts of oil or butter. The forgotten chicken recipe can be modified to be lighter by using low-fat cream soups and cooking with minimal added fats.
Are There Different Ways to Cook Chicken?
Absolutely. Chicken is incredibly versatile. You can bake, grill, sauté, poach, or even cook it in a slow cooker. Each method offers different textures and flavors, depending on what you’re looking for.
Suggested Sides to Serve with Forgotten Chicken
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned broccoli adds color and a healthy side to balance the creamy chicken and rice.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious creamy sauce left in the dish.
- Garden Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers complements the creaminess of the dish while adding a burst of flavor and texture.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes enhance the comfort factor, making this dish perfect for colder days.
- Buttered Corn: Sweet corn with butter provides a satisfying sweetness that balances the savory chicken and rice.
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