EASY FORGOTTEN CHICKEN RECIPE

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts swimming in a creamy, tangy sauce, baked to golden-brown perfection with hardly any effort on your part; that’s Forgotten Chicken. This recipe is truly magical because it practically cooks itself, freeing you up to tackle other tasks while a comforting, flavorful meal is prepared. I promise you, this is about to become your new go-to when you need a delicious dinner without the fuss.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce

• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Let’s Talk Forgotten Chicken: Why You’ll Love It

Okay, let’s be honest, we’ve all had those days where the thought of cooking dinner feels like climbing Mount Everest. That’s where Forgotten Chicken comes in to save the day! It’s incredibly easy, ridiculously delicious, and requires minimal active cooking time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or when you just want a comforting meal without slaving away in the kitchen.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You literally “forget” about it in the oven while it bakes to perfection. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy, infused with the creamy, savory flavors of the sauce. Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand.

Before We Bake: Gathering Your Supplies

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s make sure you have everything you need. A little prep work goes a long way in making this recipe even easier!

• A 9×13 inch baking dish: This is the perfect size for accommodating the chicken breasts and sauce.
• A mixing bowl: For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
• A whisk or spoon: To ensure the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect flavor balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Plate

Getting Started

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce doesn’t burn.
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. You can use cooking spray or a little bit of oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping.

Making the Magic Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry onion soup mix, milk, and black pepper. Whisk or stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
2. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Make sure each chicken breast is well coated.

Baking to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps to keep the chicken moist and prevents the sauce from drying out.
2. Bake for 1 hour. This allows the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Enjoying

1. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and freshness.
3. Serve hot with your favorite sides. See some serving suggestions below!

Troubleshooting Tips: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are a few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your Forgotten Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Chicken is dry: Make sure you are not overbaking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C). Covering the dish with foil for the first hour of baking also helps to retain moisture.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture before baking.
• Chicken is not cooking evenly: Make sure the chicken breasts are all roughly the same thickness. If they are not, you can pound them to an even thickness before baking.

Variations and Adaptations: Making It Your Own

One of the best things about Forgotten Chicken is how easily you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Toss some sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers into the baking dish along with the chicken. They’ll cook in the sauce and add extra flavor and nutrients.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a little kick.
• Use different soup: Experiment with different condensed soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of celery, for a different flavor profile.
• Add cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 15 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free dry onion soup mix.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Forgotten Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all great options for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food pairing.
• Pasta: Egg noodles, rotini, or penne pasta are all delicious choices.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or carrots provide a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Salad: A simple green salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.

More Chicken Inspiration: Similar Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious chicken recipes, be sure to check out these other favorites:

• Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A creamy, dreamy dish cooked in the slow cooker.
• Chicken Casserole Recipe: A classic comfort food with layers of flavor.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: Flaky crescent rolls filled with a cheesy chicken mixture.
• Cajun Chicken Rotini Skillet: A flavorful and spicy one-pan meal.
• Baked Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken: Crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze.
• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: A simple and creamy chicken dish.

Storage and Reheating: Making the Most of Leftovers

Forgotten Chicken is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to the sauce to prevent it from drying out.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Recipe

Forgotten Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Its ease of preparation and incredible flavor make it a winner in my book, and I know it will be in yours too. So go ahead, give it a try and discover the magic of “forgetting” about dinner. You deserve a delicious and stress-free meal!

Easy Forgotten Chicken

This Easy Forgotten Chicken recipe is a hands-off, incredibly flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts bake in a creamy, tangy sauce made with pantry staples, requiring minimal effort for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet dry onion soup mix
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• mixing bowl
• whisk or spoon
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• aluminum foil
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
3. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry onion soup mix, milk, and black pepper.
5. Whisk or stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
6. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each breast is well coated.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 1 hour.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
12. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

To prevent the chicken from drying out, ensure it’s not overbaked and use a meat thermometer. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of cornstarch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed. Variations include adding vegetables like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers, spicing it up with red pepper flakes, using different condensed soups, or adding cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking. Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and dry onion soup mix.