Forgotten Chicken Recipe: A One-Dish Wonder

If you’re tired of complicated dinner prep and looking for a hassle-free, flavorful meal, Forgotten Chicken is the perfect answer. With minimal effort and just a few pantry staples, you can create a creamy, savory dish that everyone will enjoy. The best part? It’s all made in one dish, so clean-up is a breeze!

This dish combines boneless chicken breasts, Minute rice, two cans of creamy soup, and a packet of Lipton Onion Soup Mix to create a delightful dinner that requires almost no hands-on time. Here’s how to make this incredibly easy and delicious meal.

Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken

1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the star of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when baked in the creamy rice mixture. You can also use boneless thighs for a slightly richer flavor if you prefer dark meat.

2 cups Minute Rice: This quick-cooking rice is perfect for this dish because it cooks in the same time the chicken bakes. It absorbs all the flavors of the soup mixture and becomes wonderfully soft and flavorful.
1 can of Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds a rich, earthy flavor and a creamy texture to the rice. It melds with the other ingredients, making the entire dish velvety smooth.
1 can of Cream of Chicken Soup: This soup complements the cream of mushroom, adding a slightly chicken-flavored base that pairs wonderfully with the rice and chicken.

1 can of water: To balance the thickness of the cream soups, you’ll need a can of water. Just use one of the empty soup cans to measure it, making it super easy to prep.
1 envelope of Lipton Onion Soup Mix: This is the secret ingredient that really takes this dish to the next level. The onion soup mix infuses the chicken and rice with a savory, umami-packed flavor that makes the whole dish taste gourmet.
1 tablespoon Butter: The butter adds a bit of richness and flavor to the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and tender while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Forgotten Chicken

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for cooking the chicken and allowing the rice to cook evenly without drying out.

Step 2: Grease Your Baking Dish

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe. Grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the dish as it cooks. You can also line it with parchment paper if you prefer an easier cleanup.

Step 3: Mix the Rice and Soups

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the following:

1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
2 cups of Minute rice

1 can of water (using one of the empty soup cans)

Stir everything together well. You want the rice to be fully coated in the soup mixture, which will ensure the rice cooks properly in the oven and absorbs all the delicious flavors.

Step 4: Pour the Mixture Into the Baking Dish

Transfer the rice and soup mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly so the rice is well distributed. This will form the base of your dish.

Step 5: Add the Chicken

Now, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them on top of the rice mixture. Don’t worry about covering the rice completely—just make sure the chicken is spread out evenly.

Step 6: Sprinkle the Onion Soup Mix

Take the Lipton Onion Soup Mix and sprinkle it evenly over the chicken breasts. This packet will add all the flavor you need, so don’t skip this step. The savory onion mix seeps into the chicken and the rice as it cooks, infusing everything with that signature taste.

Step 7: Add Butter

For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, place small pats of butter on top of the chicken breasts. This will keep the chicken juicy and give the dish a wonderful richness. Don’t overdo it—a tablespoon is plenty to achieve this effect.

Step 8: Cover with Foil and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. The foil helps trap the moisture inside, ensuring the chicken remains tender and the rice cooks perfectly. Bake the dish for 45 to 50 minutes. This is typically enough time for the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb all the flavors.

After 45 minutes, check to make sure the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). If it needs a bit more time, bake it for an additional 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Once the dish is finished baking, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help the rice absorb any remaining moisture, and the flavors will meld together even more. Cut the chicken into slices or serve it whole on top of the rice, depending on your preference.

Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken

Easy Clean-Up: Since everything cooks in one dish, there’s no need for multiple pots or pans. Simply wash the casserole dish, and you’re done!
Hands-Off Cooking: You can prep this meal in just a few minutes, and then you can let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family Favorite: The creamy, savory flavors appeal to all ages, from kids to adults. Plus, it’s filling and satisfying, making it ideal for growing appetites.

Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe. For instance, try adding vegetables like peas or carrots, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a cheesy twist. You could also substitute boneless thighs for a richer flavor, or brown rice for a heartier, whole-grain option (though you’ll need to adjust the cooking time for brown rice).

Tips for the Perfect Forgotten Chicken

Rice Texture: If you prefer a firmer rice texture, reduce the amount of water slightly. This will give you a slightly less creamy result but will make the rice more distinct.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble this dish ahead of time. Simply prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. Bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Add Veggies: To make this dish even more complete, try adding frozen or fresh vegetables like peas, corn, or carrots to the rice mixture before baking.
Cheese Lovers: If you love cheesy dishes, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking. A blend of cheddar and mozzarella works wonderfully!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular rice instead of Minute Rice?
- Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid. Regular rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid, so check the rice package for specific instructions.