Hey! Today, I’m diving into a recipe that has been tucked away in the cobwebbed corners of many cookbooks for years – the forgotten chicken recipe. Now, let me tell you the story of how I stumbled upon this dish and why it became a beloved staple in my kitchen.
First off, what pairs well with this dish? Well, I’d say a crisp Italian Pasta Salad with chickpeas, veggies, and a homemade zesty Italian dressing is a delightful accompaniment. It’s a perfect blend of freshness and flavor that balances the hearty, comforting nature of the forgotten chicken.
Imagine a dish so simple and comforting that it feels like a warm hug. That’s forgotten chicken—rediscovering it brought nostalgia up to my kitchen, reminding me of childhood meals prepared with love and care.
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What is the Forgotten Chicken?
This dish is essentially a one-pan wonder combining flavorful chicken, rice, and creamy soups. Once baked, it creates a deliciously moist and satisfying meal. The flavors meld together to provide a hearty dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly tasty.
The Ingredients
To start, you will need:
- 5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 packet onion-flavored soup mix
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 can condensed chicken soup
- 1 can condensed celery soup
- 1 can of water (using the soup can for measurement)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas
- A small amount of butter for greasing the dish
How to Make Forgotten Chicken?
Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll love the outcome. Ready? Here we go!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your dish cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease the baking dish lightly with butter to prevent sticking. A 9×13 inch pan works great.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a bowl, mix the instant rice, condensed chicken soup, condensed celery soup, and water. Add the garlic powder and stir until combined.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Soup Mix
Evenly distribute the onion-flavored soup mix over the chicken breasts.
Step 7: Top with Frozen Peas
Scatter the frozen peas over the entire dish. These will cook and add a bit of sweetness.
Step 8: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly.
Notes
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or corn.
- Mind the Rice: Instant rice works best. Don’t substitute with regular rice unless adjusted for liquid and cooking time.
- Season Well: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add some black pepper or herbs if you like.
- Check the Chicken: Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve a slice of garlic bread on the side to mop up the delicious sauce.
- Italian Salad: Pair with a fresh Italian Pasta Salad for a burst of fresh veggies and flavor.
- Over Greens: Serve the chicken and rice over a bed of spinach or mixed greens.
- With a Glass of White Wine: A light Chardonnay complements the creamy flavors.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the leftover chicken and rice mixture to stuff bell peppers and bake.
What Other Substitutes can I use in Forgotten Chicken Recipe?
- Turkey Breasts: Swap the chicken for boneless turkey breasts.
- Brown Rice: Use instant brown rice for a nutty, whole-grain option.
- Vegetable Soup: Replace celery soup with vegetable soup for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh Vegetables: Fresh peas or green beans can be used instead of frozen peas.
- Herbed Salt: Use herbed salt instead of plain garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor.
Forgotten chicken recipe
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 1/2 lbs)
- 1 packet onion-flavored soup mix
- 2 cups instant rice
- 1 can condensed chicken soup
- 1 can condensed celery soup
- 1 can of water using the soup can for measurement
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup frozen peas
- A small amount of butter for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking. The steps are straightforward, and you’ll love the outcome. Ready? Here we go!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your dish cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease the baking dish lightly with butter to prevent sticking. A 9×13 inch pan works great.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
- In a bowl, mix the instant rice, condensed chicken soup, condensed celery soup, and water. Add the garlic powder and stir until combined.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
- Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they are evenly spaced.
Step 6: Sprinkle the Soup Mix
- Evenly distribute the onion-flavored soup mix over the chicken breasts.
Step 7: Top with Frozen Peas
- Scatter the frozen peas over the entire dish. These will cook and add a bit of sweetness.
Step 8: Cover and Bake
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. For the last 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the top to brown slightly.
Notes
- Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or corn.
- Mind the Rice: Instant rice works best. Don’t substitute with regular rice unless adjusted for liquid and cooking time.
- Season Well: Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Add some black pepper or herbs if you like.
- Check the Chicken: Ensure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
2. Can I use fresh soups rather than canned?
Absolutely! Freshly made creamy chicken and celery soups will enhance the flavor and elevate the dish. Just ensure the quantity matches the canned versions.
3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free instant rice and ensure the soup packets you use are certified gluten-free.
4. Can I add cheese on top?
Yes, shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
5. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze it. After baking, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Forgotten chicken is more than just an old recipe; it’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a busy weeknight meal, it’s a reliable choice that everyone will love.
Cooking this dish brings a bit of culinary history back to life, and I hope you’ll enjoy rediscovering it as much as I did. Happy cooking!
