Description: A simple and comforting one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines chicken, rice, and creamy soups for a hearty and flavorful dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Minute Rice (instant rice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of celery soup
- 1 can water (use the empty soup can to measure)
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ lbs)
- 1 envelope dry onion soup mix
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This prevents the rice and chicken from sticking to the bottom of the dish, making serving and cleanup easier.
Step 3: In the prepared baking dish, mix together 2 cups of Minute Rice, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of celery soup, and 1 can of water. Stir well until all ingredients are combined and the rice is evenly distributed. This forms the base of the casserole, providing a creamy and flavorful bed for the chicken.
Step 4: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice mixture in a single layer. Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly spaced to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can lead to uneven cooking and longer baking times.
Step 5: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the chicken. This adds a savory and umami flavor to the chicken and complements the creamy soup base. Make sure to distribute the soup mix evenly to ensure each piece of chicken is well-seasoned.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps to trap moisture and steam, ensuring the chicken and rice cook evenly and stay moist. Seal the edges of the foil tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Check the rice to ensure it is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 8: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a true gem for anyone seeking a fuss-free, comforting meal. Its simplicity is its biggest strength – with just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation, you can have a complete and satisfying dinner on the table. The combination of creamy soups, savory onion soup mix, and tender chicken creates a symphony of flavors that’s both familiar and irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want to enjoy a home-cooked meal. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great option for meal prepping or lunch the next day. This recipe is a testament to how easy and delicious cooking can be.
COOKING Rating
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5 (Extremely easy)
- Flavor: 4/5 (Delicious and comforting)
- Overall: 4.5/5 (A fantastic weeknight meal)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or broccoli for a complete and balanced meal.
- Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to brighten up the richness of the casserole.
- Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- A dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt can add a tangy contrast to the creamy dish.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, use low-sodium soups to control the salt content and season the chicken with pepper, garlic powder, or your favorite herbs before baking.
- If you prefer a crispier topping, remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.
- Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs or breasts with other cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks or wings, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Add vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions to the rice mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information: (estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 800mg (can vary depending on the sodium content of the soups and onion soup mix)
Conclusion
The Forgotten Chicken Recipe is a delightful dish that proves simple ingredients and easy preparation can result in a truly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a comforting and flavorful casserole. Its versatility allows for easy customization with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices. The combination of creamy soups, savory onion soup mix, and tender chicken creates a balanced and delicious flavor profile that the whole family will enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by this effortless and delicious recipe.
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use brown rice instead of Minute Rice? While you can technically use brown rice, keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You would need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly. Pre-cooking the brown rice slightly before adding it to the dish is recommended to ensure it cooks through properly. Minute Rice is used in the original recipe for its convenience and quick cooking time.
- What can I substitute for the cream of chicken and cream of celery soup? If you don’t have cream of chicken or cream of celery soup on hand, you can substitute with other cream-based soups, such as cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli. Alternatively, you can make your own cream sauce by combining milk or cream with a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch and adding your desired seasonings and vegetables.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. However, keep in mind that the rice may absorb more liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth before baking to ensure it doesn’t dry out. Add the onion soup mix just before baking.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to maintain moisture.
- Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this casserole. Some great options include sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, peas, or carrots. Add the vegetables to the rice mixture before placing the chicken on top. Adjust cooking time if needed.
