Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Easy Set-and-Forget Dinner

As the workday ends and the evening rush starts, you don’t want to stress over dinner. The Forgotten Chicken recipe is here to save the day. It’s a simple, hands-off meal that fills your home with a cozy aroma. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a tasty dinner without the fuss.

Key Takeaways

• Forgotten Chicken is a easy, set-and-forget dinner that requires only 10 minutes of prep time.
• The recipe combines chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, and onion soup mix for a rich, flavorful dish.
• This hearty meal serves 4-5 people and takes 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Customizable with various ingredient substitutions for dietary needs or personal preferences.

What is a Forgotten Chicken Recipe?

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a simple, “dump and bake” meal. It’s loved for its easy prep and tasty results. You can quickly put the ingredients together and then forget about it while it cooks. This lets you do other things while your meal cooks.

Background on the Forgotten Chicken Trend

Busy families and professionals love set-and-forget meals like Forgotten Chicken. They want home-cooked tastes without spending hours cooking. The recipe uses common ingredients like chicken, rice, and soup mixes. It’s perfect for quick, comforting dinners.

The Appeal of Set-and-Forget Meals

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is easy and hands-off. You mix the ingredients in one dish and let the oven do the rest. This makes it great for those with busy lives. You can do other things while your dinner cooks perfectly.

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a top pick for easy chicken recipes and set-and-forget meals. It offers the comfort of homemade food without the long prep time. Its simple ingredients and easy cooking make it a favorite for busy cooks.

Key Ingredients for Your Recipe

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a classic dish that’s easy to make. It needs a few key ingredients for its unique taste and texture. At its core are boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are lean and cook fast.

To make the creamy sauce, you mix cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup with water. This creates a rich, savory sauce.

Essential Chicken Cuts

The recipe usually calls for chicken breasts. But, you can also use diced chicken for smaller pieces. Chicken thighs, both boneless and bone-in, add juiciness and flavor.

Flavorful Herbs and Spices

The onion soup mix is key to the Forgotten Chicken’s taste. It has dried herbs and spices like garlic, onion, and black pepper. These add a savory, umami flavor.

Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor

• Frozen vegetables, like peas, carrots, or broccoli, add nutrition and texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking makes a tasty, melted topping.
• Minute rice, white or brown, can replace regular rice for a starchier base.

With these ingredients, you can make a delicious Forgotten Chicken dish. It’s great for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner.

Steps to Prepare the Forgotten Chicken

Preparing the classic Forgotten Chicken recipe is easy and delicious. Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Initial Preparation and Seasoning

In a bowl, mix the key ingredients for Forgotten Chicken. These are instant rice, cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, and water. Stir until everything is well-blended, then spread it in the baking dish.

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Use boneless, skinless chicken for the best results. It cooks fast and stays juicy. Bone-in chicken breasts need 10-15 minutes more.

Lastly, sprinkle dry onion soup mix over the chicken. Make sure each piece is covered with the seasoning.

Cooking Techniques Explained

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 90 minutes. The chicken should be cooked and the rice should soak up the liquid.

To get a golden crust, remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes. This will crisp up the chicken and make it look great.

After baking, let the Forgotten Chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld and the dish firm up. Serve hot and enjoy this easy, set-and-forget dinner!

Cooking Times and Temperature Guidelines

Preparing the perfect Forgotten Chicken dish requires knowing the right cooking temperature and times. To get tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, keep the oven temperature steady. Also, watch the dish closely as it cooks.

Ideal Cooking Temperature for Chicken

The best cooking temperature for your Forgotten Chicken is 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures the chicken is cooked well. It also lets the rice cook until it’s tender and full of flavor.

Recommended Cooking Times by Cut

The cooking time for your Forgotten Chicken depends on the chicken pieces’ size and thickness. Here’s a general guide:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 40-45 minutes
• Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: 50-55 minutes
• Whole chicken (cut into pieces): 60-70 minutes

Keep the dish covered most of the cooking time. This helps the rice cook well and keeps the chicken moist. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.

Remember, cooking times can change based on your oven and chicken size. Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Forgotten Chicken

Making the perfect Forgotten Chicken casserole is about avoiding common mistakes and boosting flavors. Follow these tips to make your Forgotten Chicken moist, tender, and full of flavor.

Avoid Common Mistakes

One common problem with Forgotten Chicken is using thick chicken breasts. They might not cook evenly. Instead, choose thinner cuts or pound the breasts to an even thickness before making the dish. This ensures the chicken cooks well without drying out.

Enhancing Flavor with Marinades

To elevate your Forgotten Chicken, marinate the chicken before adding it to the casserole. A mix of lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil can add bright, savory flavors. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe.

Watch out for salt, as the soup mixes in Forgotten Chicken can be salty. For less salt, use low-sodium canned soups and skip extra salt. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the rice mixture adds a fresh, earthy taste.

By following these tips, you’ll make a Forgotten Chicken casserole that’s moist, flavorful, and loved by all. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your Finished Dish

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a complete meal by itself. But, adding delicious side dishes can make it even better. You can choose from fresh veggies to hearty starches, making every meal special.

Side Dishes That Pair Well

• Steamed or roasted broccoli, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus
• A light, refreshing salad to balance the richness of the chicken and rice
• Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potato wedges
• Fluffy dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce

Creative Ways to Use Leftovers

Leftover Forgotten Chicken is a treasure. It can be used in many ways to enjoy its flavors again. Here are some ideas to reuse your leftovers:

1. Reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying
2. Use the chicken and rice as a filling for stuffed peppers or burritos
3. Toss the leftover components into a fresh salad for a protein-packed lunch
4. Incorporate the chicken and rice into a hearty soup or stew

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is not just tasty the first time. It’s also very versatile for future meals. With a bit of creativity, you can turn leftovers into something new and exciting.

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious meal. It can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether with fresh veggies or turned into new dishes, it’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Variations of the Forgotten Chicken Recipe

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is versatile. It uses chicken breasts, Minute rice, cream of mushroom soup, and Lipton onion soup mix. But, you can also try different variations to match your taste.

Slow Cooker Adaptation

Want a recipe that’s easy to make? Try the slow cooker version of Forgotten Chicken. Just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker. Cover it and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This way, the chicken, rice, and flavors blend together perfectly.

Oven-Baked Versions to Try

There’s more to the oven-baked Forgotten Chicken than the classic recipe. You can add shredded cheese on top for the last 15 minutes. Or mix in frozen veggies like broccoli or peas into the rice. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soups and make sure the onion mix is gluten-free. These changes let you make the dish your own while keeping it easy and comforting.

FAQ

What is the secret to juicy chicken?

To keep chicken juicy, follow these tips:

1. Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) but no higher.
2. Brine the Chicken: Soak chicken in a saltwater solution (e.g., 1/4 cup salt per quart of water) for 30 minutes to a few hours to enhance moisture retention.
3. Marinate: Use marinades with oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings to tenderize and infuse flavor.
4. Cook at the Right Temperature:
   • Use medium to medium-high heat for pan-searing.
   • Bake at 375°F-400°F for juicy results.
   • Cook low and slow for braised or slow-cooked recipes.
5. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

How to make chicken more flavorful?

Here are several ways to make chicken more flavorful:

1. Marinade: Use marinades with herbs, spices, citrus, yogurt, or soy sauce to enhance flavor.
2. Dry Rubs: Coat the chicken with a mix of spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and dried herbs.
3. Season Generously: Salt and pepper are essential but don’t shy away from experimenting with other seasonings.
4. Sear or Grill: Searing locks in juices and creates a golden-brown crust with caramelized flavor.
5. Baste During Cooking: Use butter, olive oil, or a glaze to baste the chicken periodically for added flavor.
6. Stuff or Top It: Add ingredients like garlic, herbs, or cheese into chicken breasts or top them with a flavorful sauce after cooking.
7. Cook in Flavorful Liquids: Simmer or bake chicken in broth, wine, or a sauce for enhanced taste.

What is the least fattening way to cook chicken?

The least fattening ways to cook chicken are methods that don’t require added fats:

1. Grilling: Cooks the chicken without additional fat and allows excess fat to drip off.
2. Baking or Roasting: Cook chicken in the oven without butter or oil, using spices and herbs for flavor.
3. Steaming: Retains nutrients and keeps the chicken moist without added fat.
4. Boiling or Poaching: Cook in water or broth for a low-fat option.
5. Air Frying: Uses little to no oil while giving the chicken a crispy texture.

Choose lean cuts like boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the lowest calorie option.

Are there different ways to cook chicken?

Yes, there are many ways to cook chicken, each offering unique flavors and textures:

1. Grilling: Adds a smoky, charred flavor.
2. Baking or Roasting: Great for evenly cooked, flavorful chicken.
3. Sautéing or Pan-Frying: Produces a crispy, golden exterior and juicy interior.
4. Boiling or Poaching: Retains moisture and works well for salads or shredded dishes.
5. Slow Cooking: Ideal for tender, flavorful chicken in stews or soups.
6. Pressure Cooking: Cooks quickly while locking in moisture and flavor.
7. Air Frying: Mimics frying with little or no oil for a crispy texture.
8. Stir-Frying: Quick and flavorful, often used in Asian dishes.
9. Smoking: Adds a deep, smoky flavor, ideal for outdoor cooking.
10. Deep Frying: Produces a crispy crust but is higher in fat.

Each method can be adapted with seasonings, marinades, and cooking times to suit your preference!