Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate one-pan meal that transforms busy weeknights into delicious feasts. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups and fluffy rice, making it a comforting option for family dinners or gatherings. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it suitable for various occasions, from casual weeknight meals to potlucks or even festive celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can have a hearty meal ready with little effort.
Deliciously Creamy: The combination of cream of chicken and mushroom soups creates a rich and satisfying flavor that everyone will love.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different types of rice or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Family-Friendly: This dish is perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a great choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the leftovers the next day; this dish tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Forgotten Chicken and Rice requires basic kitchen tools that make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 baking pan
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Aluminum foil

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 baking pan: This size is ideal for cooking everything in one go, allowing for even heat distribution and easy serving.
Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly without mess.
Aluminum foil: Covering your dish with foil while baking helps retain moisture, ensuring juicy chicken.

Ingredients

Forgotten Chicken – the crazy easy one-pan meal that’s going to become your new weeknight feast MVP.

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
2 cups Minute rice (white or brown)
1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 10.5 oz can water
1 tbsp butter
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix

How to Make Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Grease the Baking Pan

Grease a 9×13 baking pan with the butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until well combined.

Step 3: Pour Mixture into Pan

Pour the rice and soup mixture into the prepared baking pan. Top with the chicken breasts evenly placed on top.

Step 4: Add Onion Soup Mix

Sprinkle the Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the top of the chicken breasts for added flavor.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 350°F for 1 to 1.5 hours until chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 6: Optional Cheese Topping

For an extra touch, uncover and top with shredded cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Serve

Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving this creamy chicken and rice directly from the baking pan. Enjoy your meal!

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Serving Forgotten Chicken and Rice is simple and versatile, making it a fantastic option for any weeknight dinner. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with various sides to enhance the meal.

Family Style

Serve directly from the baking pan for a warm, rustic feel. This encourages a communal dining experience.

With Fresh Vegetables

Pair with steamed broccoli or green beans to add color and nutrients. The fresh crunch complements the creamy texture of the dish.

Garnished with Herbs

Top each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a burst of flavor. This adds freshness and elevates the presentation.

With a Side Salad

A crisp garden salad can balance out the richness of the chicken and rice. Use a light vinaigrette to keep it refreshing.

With Bread Rolls

Soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. They add an extra layer of comfort to your meal.

How to Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice

To ensure your Forgotten Chicken and Rice turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: Choose fresh chicken and high-quality soups for better flavor.
Adjust Cooking Time: If using frozen chicken, increase baking time by 15-30 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate frozen peas or carrots into the rice mixture for added nutrition.
Cover Tightly: Ensure foil is sealed well during baking to retain moisture and flavor.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add garlic powder or Italian herbs for extra taste.
Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit after baking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Pairing your Forgotten Chicken and Rice with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread – A buttery addition that’s perfect for mopping up creamy sauce.
Coleslaw – This crunchy side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken dish.
Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned asparagus brings a delicious earthiness that pairs well.
Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn enhances flavors while adding sweetness; grill or boil for best results.
Cucumber Salad – A cool cucumber salad offers a crunchy texture that balances richness nicely.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort alongside your main dish, ideal for those who love hearty meals.
Baked Beans – Sweet baked beans complement savory chicken beautifully, creating a delightful mix of flavors.
Quinoa Salad – For something lighter, a quinoa salad adds protein along with vibrant veggies for nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a few common mistakes can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping the foil cover: Not covering the pan tightly with foil can lead to dry chicken. Always cover your baking dish to keep moisture in.
Using cold chicken: Starting with cold chicken can result in uneven cooking. Make sure to use chicken at room temperature for more consistent results.
Overcooking the rice: Cooking time is crucial; overcooked rice can become mushy. Follow the recommended baking time closely for perfect texture.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: If you prefer less salt, be cautious with the Lipton onion soup mix. Consider using less or a low-sodium option.
Not letting it rest before serving: Cutting into the chicken too soon can release juices, making it dry. Allow it to sit for about 5 minutes before serving for juicy results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth, stir occasionally, and heat on medium until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forgotten Chicken and Rice?

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is an easy one-pan meal that combines chicken breasts with rice and creamy soups, baked together for a comforting dinner.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; just extend the baking time by about 15-30 minutes until fully cooked.

How do I customize Forgotten Chicken and Rice?

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers before baking, enhancing flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice?

This dish pairs well with a simple salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Is Forgotten Chicken and Rice healthy?

While it’s convenient and delicious, watch portion sizes as it contains cream soups which may have higher sodium levels. Consider using low-fat options.

Final Thoughts

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is not only simple to prepare but also offers incredible versatility. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet easy!

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Forgotten Chicken and Rice

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Discover the delightful experience of Forgotten Chicken and Rice, a one-pan meal that turns busy weeknights into comforting feasts. This easy recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered with creamy soups and fluffy rice, creating a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, you can enjoy a hearty dinner without the hassle. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply feeding your family, this versatile recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups Minute 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
1 tbsp butter
1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13 baking pan with butter.
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until well mixed.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and place chicken breasts on top.
Sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken.
Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
For added flavor, uncover and sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 90 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American