FORGOTTEN CHICKEN AND RICE BEST

I remember the day my friend Sarah called in a panic, convinced she’d ruined dinner – chicken and rice, specifically – because she got distracted mid-prep; little did she know, she was about to stumble upon a genius way to make the most tender, flavorful Forgotten Chicken and Rice. This recipe is all about ease and letting the oven do the work, and I promise you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like you fussed over it for hours, even if you, like Sarah, got sidetracked by life.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Let’s be honest, we’ve all been there: a busy weeknight, good intentions to make a home-cooked meal, and then… well, life happens. That’s where Forgotten Chicken and Rice comes to the rescue. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish (hence the name!), perfect for those times when you need a comforting, delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort. But beyond its convenience, this recipe has so much more to offer:

• Effortless Preparation: Seriously, it takes just minutes to throw everything together. No pre-cooking, no browning, just layer, pour, and bake.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The long, slow cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and infused with the savory flavors of the broth and seasonings. The rice absorbs all that goodness, resulting in a creamy, flavorful side.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners for the week.
• Customizable: The basic recipe is a blank canvas! Add your favorite vegetables, spices, or cheeses to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
• Budget-Friendly: Chicken and rice are pantry staples, making this a cost-effective meal for the whole family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Forgotten Chicken and Rice is its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. About 1.5-2 pounds is ideal.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is the classic choice, but you can experiment with other varieties like jasmine or basmati. Just be aware that cooking times may vary. DO NOT use instant rice.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. You can also use chicken stock for a richer flavor.
• Onion: A yellow or white onion, chopped, adds a savory depth of flavor.
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is the secret ingredient that adds creaminess and richness to the dish. You can substitute cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are the basics. Feel free to add other spices like paprika, dried thyme, or Italian seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Magic Happen

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make the easiest, most delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help prevent the rice from sticking.
3. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
   • Sprinkle the chopped onion over the rice.
   • Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the onion.
   • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder (or your favorite seasonings).
4. Add the Cream of Mushroom Soup: Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the chicken.
5. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Gently pour the chicken broth over the soup and chicken. Be sure to distribute it evenly.
6. Dot with Butter: Dot the top of the dish with pats of butter. This will add richness and help to keep the rice moist.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is crucial for trapping the steam and ensuring that the rice cooks properly. Bake for 2 hours.
8. Check for Doneness: After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender and the chicken should be cooked through. If the rice is still a bit firm, return the dish to the oven (covered) for another 15-20 minutes.
9. Let it Rest: Once the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Even though this recipe is incredibly easy, here are a few tips to ensure success:

• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish tightly with foil is essential for trapping the steam and cooking the rice properly. If the foil isn’t tight enough, the rice may dry out.
• Adjust the Broth: If you find that the rice is still a bit firm after 2 hours, add a little more chicken broth and continue baking until tender. The amount of broth needed can vary depending on the type of rice you use and the oven’s temperature.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can result in dry chicken and mushy rice. Keep a close eye on the dish during the last 30 minutes of cooking time and adjust the baking time as needed.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Frozen peas, carrots, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms all work well. Add them to the baking dish along with the chicken.
• Use Different Proteins: While chicken is the classic choice, you can also use other proteins like turkey, pork, or even tofu. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Get Creative with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of hot sauce can add a delicious twist to the dish. If you’re looking for something with a little more kick, try the Cajun Honey Garlic Sausage & Rice recipe next time!
• Cheese Please!: Sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) over the top of the dish during the last 15 minutes of baking time for a cheesy, gooey topping.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of Forgotten Chicken and Rice is its versatility. Here are a few variations to inspire you:

• Creamy Chicken and Rice: For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after baking.
• Cheesy Chicken and Rice: Add a layer of shredded cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for a gooey, cheesy topping. You could even try the Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake for even more cheesy goodness!
• Mushroom Lover’s Chicken and Rice: Add sliced mushrooms to the dish along with the chicken and onion for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Vegetable Packed Chicken and Rice: Load up the dish with your favorite vegetables like peas, carrots, broccoli, and corn for a healthy and colorful meal.
• Spicy Chicken and Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dish for a spicy kick.
• Mexican Inspired Chicken and Rice: Use salsa verde instead of chicken broth and add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a Mexican-inspired twist. It will be similar to the Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet but baked!
• Chicken Casserole Style: Want a classic casserole taste? Try using cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom, and consider adding some cooked vegetables like green beans or peas. It’s like a simplified version of Chicken Casserole!
• Chicken Tortellini Bake: While not the same as the original recipe, you could consider adding cooked cheese tortellini to the dish during the last 30 minutes of baking. Be sure to adjust the broth accordingly to avoid a dry casserole! Or, for a different take, try Chicken Tortellini made in a crockpot.
• Spinach and Chicken Rice Casserole: Add frozen spinach to the mixture and use cream of mushroom soup, then top with breadcrumbs and bake. This resembles the taste of Chicken And Spinach Casserole.

Serving Suggestions

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Serve with a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich and savory chicken and rice.
• Add a Crusty Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.

Making Ahead and Storing

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Forgotten Chicken and Rice:

• Can I use brown rice? While you can use brown rice, it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the baking time and broth amount accordingly.
• Can I use instant rice? No, instant rice is not recommended for this recipe. It will become mushy and won’t hold its shape.
• Can I use different types of soup? Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, or even cream of broccoli soup for the cream of mushroom soup.
• Can I freeze Forgotten Chicken and Rice? Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• My rice is still hard after 2 hours. What should I do? Add a little more chicken broth and continue baking until the rice is tender. The amount of broth needed can vary depending on the type of rice you use and the oven’s temperature.

Forgotten Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, easy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With its simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, go ahead, give it a try – you might just “forget” how easy it is to make!

Forgotten Chicken and Rice

This Forgotten Chicken and Rice recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dish, perfect for busy weeknights. It requires minimal effort, letting the oven do the work to create tender chicken and creamy, flavorful rice that tastes like you fussed over it for hours.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into pats
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• aluminum foil
• Oven
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
4. Sprinkle the chopped onion over the rice.
5. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the onion.
6. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
7. Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the chicken.
8. Gently pour the chicken broth over the soup and chicken. Be sure to distribute it evenly.
9. Dot the top of the dish with pats of butter.
10. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
11. Bake for 2 hours.
12. After 2 hours, carefully remove the foil. The rice should be tender and the chicken should be cooked through. If the rice is still a bit firm, return the dish to the oven (covered) for another 15-20 minutes.
13. Once the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.

Notes

Don’t skip the foil. Adjust the broth if needed. Don’t overcook. Add vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli. Use different proteins like turkey or pork. Get creative with seasonings like Cajun or Italian seasoning. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of baking. For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese after baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months.