Have you ever wished for a dinner that practically cooks itself while filling your home with the most incredible aromas? Well, my dear readers, today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite recipes that does exactly that – the magical Forgotten Chicken! I discovered this gem of a recipe during my busy days as a new mom, and it has been a lifesaver ever since.
Let me tell you why this dish holds a special place in my heart. One particularly hectic Wednesday, I was juggling work deadlines and my toddler’s dance recital. I needed something that would cook itself while I focused on everything else. That’s when this recipe came to my rescue, and the result was nothing short of amazing! The tender, juicy chicken nestled on a bed of creamy, flavorful rice became an instant family favorite.
What makes this recipe truly special is its ability to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The magic happens as the chicken slowly bakes, releasing its juices into the rice below, creating a heavenly combination that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to comfort meal!
Let’s start with the FAQs:
Why is it called “Forgotten” Chicken?
The name comes from the hands-off cooking method – you literally prepare it, pop it in the oven, and can forget about it for the next 90 minutes! It’s perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal but can’t stand over the stove.
Can I prep this the night before?
Absolutely! Mix the soups and broth, and store them separately in the fridge. The next day, just assemble and bake. I’ve done this countless times for busy weeknights, and it works perfectly!
What makes this recipe foolproof?
The combination of condensed soups and onion soup mix creates a fail-safe sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavors the rice perfectly. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe won’t let you down!
Will my kids eat this?
As a mom of two picky eaters, I can confidently say YES! The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the chicken stays super tender. My 5-year-old calls it “cloud rice” because it’s so soft and fluffy!
Can I freeze leftovers?
You bet! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the microwave with a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice (16 oz)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 3 cups chicken broth (24 fl oz)
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
- 1 packet (1 oz) onion soup mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Let me walk you through making this Forgotten Chicken – it’s really straightforward! First, you’ll spend about 5 minutes getting everything ready. Heat your oven to 350°F, pull out a 9×13 baking dish, and give it a good drizzle with olive oil. Make sure to pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps them brown better!
- Next comes the rice base – this takes just 3 minutes. Simply spread your rice in an even layer across the bottom of your dish. Take a moment to smooth it out – we want a nice uniform layer so everything cooks evenly.
- Now for the fun part – creating what I like to call the “magic sauce” (about 5 minutes). Grab a large bowl and mix together both soups and the chicken broth. Whisk it until it’s silky smooth, then pour it over your rice. Use a spatula to make sure every grain of rice is coated in this creamy mixture.
- The chicken prep takes about 5 minutes. Give each breast a light coating of the remaining olive oil, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place them on top of your rice mixture, making sure to space them evenly – this is key for consistent cooking!
- For the final touch (just 2 quick minutes), sprinkle that onion soup mix evenly over everything. Now here’s the crucial part – cover the dish tightly with foil. I mean really tight – this keeps all those wonderful juices trapped inside!
- Finally, pop it in your preheated oven and – here’s the best part – you can literally walk away for 90 minutes! When you come back, check that the chicken has reached 165°F internally. Then give it 5-10 minutes to rest before serving. This resting time lets all those incredible flavors settle into place.
- And that’s it! Each step builds on the last to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity – just layer, season, and let the oven do its magic!
Cooking Tips
- Choose long-grain rice only – it holds up better during the long cooking time and won’t turn mushy.
- Create a super tight seal with your foil. I actually use two layers to ensure no steam escapes during cooking.
- If your chicken breasts are extra large, slice them horizontally to ensure even cooking with the rice.
- Don’t be tempted to reduce the liquid – it might look like a lot, but the rice needs it all!
- Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast – it should read 165°F.
- Don’t skip the 5-10 minute rest after baking. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the chicken juices to redistribute.
