Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting, no-fuss casserole that takes just minutes to prepare yet yields a delicious home-cooked meal. This dish brings together tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice, resulting in a wholesome, one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings. There’s a hint of nostalgia wrapped up in this recipe—ideal for those moments when you want to come home to a warm meal waiting for you, with minimal effort on your part.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Here are a few compelling reasons why you should add Forgotten Chicken and Rice to your weeknight lineup:

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for those hectic evenings when time is tight.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing pantry staples and versatile ingredients, this meal is great for families looking to stretch their grocery budget.
• Kid-Approved Flavor: The creamy texture and comforting flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike, making it an excellent choice for family dinner.
• Versatile Add-Ins: Whether you want to toss in frozen vegetables or a sprinkle of cheese, this dish easily adapts to suit your taste or to make use of what you have in your fridge.

"This was my go-to meal during the busy school season! Not only was it a hit with the kids, but it also made my evenings so much easier." – Happy Home Cook

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Forgotten Chicken and Rice is as straightforward as it gets! Start by preheating your oven and greasing your baking dish. Mix in the creamy soups and rice, place your chicken on top, and let the oven do the work. In about an hour, you’ll be treated to a hearty meal that requires very little hands-on time. Now, let’s break it down.

Gather Your Ingredients

To whip up this delightful casserole, you’ll need the following:

• 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 (using the empty soup can for measurement)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional, but recommended)
• Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor

Feel free to swap out ingredients like using low-sodium soups or different cheese types to suit your dietary preferences.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter.

2. Prepare the Base Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir in the uncooked instant rice until everything is well blended.

3. Pour into the Baking Dish: Transfer the soup and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

4. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using them, stir in your frozen vegetables or shredded cheddar cheese at this stage.

5. Top with Chicken: Place raw chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. If they’re thick, consider butterflying them for even cooking.

6. Sprinkle Soup Mix: Evenly distribute the onion soup mix over the chicken for added flavor.

7. Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes. Avoid lifting the foil to keep the moisture in.

8. Check for Doneness: After an hour, remove the foil. Ensure the chicken is at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.

9. Optional Broil: For a crispier finish, uncook the casserole and broil for 3–5 minutes until the top is golden brown.

10. Let Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to help it set.

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also versatile enough to pair with different sides:

• Simple Salad: A fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette can add a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
• Bread Options: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a delightful crunch.
• Roasted Veggies: Complement the dish with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables, adding color and flavor.
• Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some extra cheese on top right before serving for an indulgent touch.

Keeping Forgotten Chicken and Rice Fresh Longer

Storing leftovers is simple and ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish later. Here’s how to do it:

• Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the casserole (without the broil, if you choose to do so) in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for convenience.

Helpful Hints

To get the best results from your Forgotten Chicken and Rice, consider these pro tips:

• Butterflied Chicken: For even cooking, butterflying thick chicken breasts helps them cook through without drying out.
• Seasonings: Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonings. A sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder can elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.
• Substitutions: If you’re out of a specific soup, you can substitute with another creamy soup variant. Cream of celery or even a homemade béchamel sauce can work in a pinch.

Creative Twists to Try

The beauty of Forgotten Chicken and Rice lies in its versatility. Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to give the dish a spicier flavor profile.
• Different Proteins: Switch out chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein to make it vegetarian-friendly.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can add a fresh twist to the overall flavor.
• Cultural Flavors: Consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex flair.

FAQ

• How long does it take to prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice?
  Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is around 60 minutes.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
  Yes! Just be aware that brown rice may require a bit more cooking time, so adjust accordingly.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
  The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

• What if I don’t have onion soup mix?
  You can easily substitute it with a mix of dried onion powder, garlic powder, and seasonal herbs for a homemade flavor boost.

With this detailed guide, cooking Forgotten Chicken and Rice will be a breeze. Enjoy indulging in this comforting staple that can easily fit into your busy schedule!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

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• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and fluffy rice for a wholesome meal, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (using the empty soup can for measurement)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1–2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
• Dash of black pepper, garlic powder, or paprika for added flavor

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir in the uncooked instant rice until blended.
3. Transfer the soup and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. If using, stir in your frozen vegetables or shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Place raw chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, butterflying them if they are thick.
6. Evenly distribute the onion soup mix over the chicken.
7. Tightly cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes.
8. After an hour, remove the foil and check if the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C) and the rice is tender.
9. For a crispier finish, broil for 3–5 minutes until golden brown.
10. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish is versatile; consider adding spices or different proteins to suit your taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken, casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, family meal