Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Quick & Sizzling Forgotten Chicken Recipe That Wows Everyone

Chicken cacciatore brings back memories of my grandmother’s rustic kitchen, where traditional Italian flavors danced across worn wooden countertops.

Generations of home cooks have treasured this hearty dish through decades of family gatherings.

Robust tomato sauce and tender meat create a comforting meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Herbs and spices blend together, telling stories of countryside kitchens in tuscany.

Simple ingredients combine with slow-cooking techniques to produce something truly magical.

Fragrant aromas will pull everyone to the table, eager to savor each delicious bite.

You won’t be able to resist making this classic recipe again and again.

Ingredients List for Forgotten Chicken

For the Base:
  • Uncooked Rice: A soft, fluffy foundation that absorbs the delicious cooking liquid and becomes tender during baking.
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that creates a hearty main dish with a moist and flavorful result.
For the Liquid Mixture:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Water, Milk: A creamy combination that provides moisture and rich flavor to the entire dish.
  • Onion Soup Mix: Adds depth of seasoning and enhances the overall taste profile.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Paprika, Black Pepper: Spices that contribute warmth, color, and a subtle kick to the chicken and rice.

Directions to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken

Directions to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and get ready for a delicious meal.

Step 2: Spread The Rice Base

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and create an even layer of uncooked rice across the bottom, setting the stage for a perfect foundation.

Step 3: Nestle The Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts on top of the rice, allowing them to rest comfortably in their soon-to-be delicious home.

Step 4: Craft The Magical Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whip up a creamy blend of:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Water
  • Milk
  • Onion soup mix
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Whisk these ingredients until they become a smooth, tantalizing mixture.

Step 5: Pour And Season

Drizzle the sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every inch gets covered. Sprinkle some freshly ground pepper on top for an extra flavor kick.

Step 6: Cover And Bake

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a steamy environment for the chicken and rice. Slide it into the preheated oven and let it cook for one full hour.

Step 7: Uncover And Crisp

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and the rice becomes perfectly tender.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, creating soft, inviting peaks.

Serve hot and enjoy your amazing forgotten chicken!

Tips for Cooking Amazing Forgotten Chicken

  • Rinse uncooked rice thoroughly before spreading in the baking dish to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
  • Cover the dish tightly with foil during initial baking to lock in steam and prevent chicken from drying out, creating incredibly tender meat.
  • Swap water with chicken broth to add deeper, richer flavor profile to the entire dish without changing cooking method.
  • Replace cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or cream of celery for different taste variations, and use gluten-free soup mix for celiac-friendly option.
  • Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.

Forgotten Chickens With Extra Flair

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace paprika with chili powder and add diced green chilies to the soup mixture. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking for extra heat.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute onion soup mix with dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Use chicken broth instead of water and add crumbled feta cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Mix in sliced fresh mushrooms with the rice before adding chicken. Replace water with cream of mushroom soup and add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor.
  • Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace water with coconut milk and add curry powder to the soup mixture. Garnish with chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes after baking.

What to Eat With Forgotten Chicken

  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, savory chicken dish, cutting through the richness with their light, refreshing notes.
  • Fresh Veggie Side Kick: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add vibrant color and nutritional balance, providing a crisp contrast to the tender, creamy chicken and rice.
  • Zesty Salad Partner: Create a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the meal, offering a fresh and acidic counterpoint to the rich, comforting main course.
  • Crusty Bread Enhancer: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or a rustic sourdough to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural element to the dinner.

Keeping Forgotten Chicken Fresh For Later

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains moist by covering with a tight lid.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining flavor and texture by removing excess air from the container.
  • Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Add about 1/4 cup more liquid and extend the initial covered baking time by 15-20 minutes.

  • What if I don't have onion soup mix?

You can substitute with 2 tablespoons of dried minced onion and an extra pinch of salt to replicate the flavor profile of the soup mix.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and rice dish reheats well and stays moist. You can make it ahead and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

What Makes Forgotten Chicken So Comforting

  • Craft a Comforting Meal: Prepare a hearty dinner that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy families and home cooks.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Enjoy a delicious one-dish wonder using common pantry staples, eliminating the need for complex shopping or extensive preparation.
  • Hands-Off Cooking Delight: Bake this chicken and rice casserole with simple steps that require little active cooking time, letting the oven do most of the work while you relax.
  • Versatile Dinner Solution: Adaptable for various occasions, from weeknight dinners to casual gatherings, this recipe pleases both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
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Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Delightful forgotten chicken brings nostalgic comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Succulent meat marinates in rich herbs and spices, promising a memorable meal that connects generations with simple, hearty flavors you’ll crave.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Starch:

  • 1 cup (190 grams / 6.7 ounces) uncooked long-grain white rice

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup (or mushroom for variation)
  • 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can water
  • 1 (1 ounce / 28 grams) packet dry onion soup mix (or ranch seasoning for a twist!)
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) milk (or broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 cup frozen peas & carrots
  • Shredded cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and select a 9×13-inch baking dish for even cooking.
  2. Create a uniform base layer of uncooked rice across the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Arrange chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Combine soup, water, milk, onion soup mix, garlic powder, and paprika in a mixing bowl, whisking until thoroughly blended.
  5. Gently pour the seasoned liquid mixture over the chicken, allowing it to evenly coat and seep between the rice and meat.
  6. Lightly dust the surface with ground pepper, being mindful of the existing sodium content from the soup mix.
  7. Securely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to trap moisture and heat.
  8. Bake for 1 hour, maintaining consistent temperature to allow rice and chicken to cook simultaneously.
  9. Remove foil after initial cooking period and return to oven for an additional 15-20 minutes until chicken develops a golden-brown exterior and rice reaches perfect tenderness.
  10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.
  11. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light, airy texture before serving.

Notes

  • Double-check rice quality by using long-grain white rice for the best texture and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Customize protein options by substituting chicken breasts with chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken for different flavor profiles and moisture levels.
  • Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium cream soup and omitting onion soup mix, replacing with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced natural seasoning.
  • Enhance recipe versatility by making it gluten-free through using gluten-free cream soup and checking ingredient labels carefully for potential hidden gluten sources.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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