If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty meal that almost feels like a secret passed down through the years, you’ve got to try this Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe. It’s a beautifully simple dish where tender chicken breasts bake atop a creamy, savory rice mixture infused with mushroom, chicken soup, and that delightful onion soup mix magic. Every bite feels like a warm hug, perfect for those cozy dinners when you want something fuss-free but irresistibly flavorful. This recipe is one of those treasures that’s easy to forget but impossible not to love once you rediscover it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a key element that builds layers of flavor and creates a wonderfully creamy texture with just a few pantry staples. The mix of soups, rice, and chicken makes dinner effortless yet satisfying.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, juicy and tender when baked with rice.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, comforting base that absorbs all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup: Adds a rich, earthy undertone to the dish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Brings creaminess and warmth to every bite.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water: Used to blend soups and rice for a perfectly cooked texture.
- 1 envelope onion soup mix: The secret seasoning that ties everything together with a savory punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances and balances the flavors.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous lift.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate heat is perfect to slowly cook the chicken and rice together, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without drying out the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir everything really well so the soups evenly coat the rice, which creates that luscious, creamy base that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts right on top of the rice mixture. Then, sprinkle on salt and pepper generously — seasoning the chicken ensures each bite packs savory flavor, creating a perfect balance with the creamy rice below.
Step 4: Add the Onion Soup Mix
Sprinkle the onion soup mix over the chicken and rice. This step is truly the magic touch of the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe, imparting a rich and slightly tangy flavor that takes the dish from simple to unforgettable.
Step 5: Bake
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil to keep all the moisture in. Pop it into the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes. By the end of this time, the chicken will be juicy and cooked through, while the rice becomes tender, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
After baking, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This allows everything to settle and makes serving easier. Just before plating, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to brighten the dish visually and add a subtle herbaceous note that lifts the flavors beautifully.
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice to garnish the dish—it adds a splash of vibrant green that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, golden chicken and rice. For an extra touch, a little squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can add brightness and cut through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. Steamed green beans or buttered peas also offer a nice texture contrast and fresh flavor that complements the creamy dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve this directly from the baking dish so everyone can scoop their favorite parts. For a more elegant approach, plate the rice neatly, slice the chicken breasts and fan them on top, then garnish with parsley and maybe a few toasted almonds for crunch. This turns an everyday dish into something special for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making the next-day meal extra delicious and easy to enjoy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes nicely. Cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until heated through. Adding a tiny splash of water before reheating helps keep the rice moist and fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can swap in brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more water. Expect it to take closer to an hour and a half in the oven.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes! The Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe freezes wonderfully. Just cool completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-5 hours. Keep the chicken on top to avoid drying out. Check rice tenderness to ensure it’s cooked through.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom or chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version by combining cream, broth, sautéed mushrooms or chicken, and a thickener like flour. However, using canned soups keeps things much easier and consistent in flavor.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Covering the dish tightly with foil during baking traps steam, which keeps the chicken moist. Also, resting the chicken a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy meat every time.
Final Thoughts
This Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe is definitely one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a warm culinary hug on a plate. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s been loved for generations and why it holds a special place in many hearts. So, don’t hesitate—give this recipe a shot and make it a new favorite in your home!
Print
Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked over a creamy mixture of rice and savory soups. This simple and hearty casserole offers effortless preparation with rich flavors enhanced by an onion soup mix topping, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) water
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, thoroughly combine the uncooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Stir the ingredients until they are well mixed to create a creamy rice base.
- Add the Chicken: Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor of the chicken and rice.
- Add the Onion Soup Mix: Sprinkle the entire envelope of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken and rice mixture to infuse the dish with savory and aromatic notes.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the foil and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the baking dish is tightly covered with foil to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to add vegetables like chopped mushrooms or peas into the rice mixture for added nutrition and color.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick meal the next day.
