Introduction:
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food recipe that delivers a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. The name “Forgotten” comes from the fact that once you assemble everything in a pot or casserole dish, you simply pop it into the oven, forget about it, and let it cook while you go about your day. The chicken turns tender and juicy, while the rice absorbs all the savory flavors of the chicken and seasonings, resulting in a flavorful one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Ingredients:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth (or water)
1 onion, chopped
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or any preferred cream soup)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the baking dish: In a large casserole dish (9×13-inch), spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom.
Add the soup mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth (or water). Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the rice in the casserole dish.
Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs (or breasts) with salt, pepper, and a little extra garlic or onion powder if desired.
Place the chicken: Lay the seasoned chicken thighs (or breasts) on top of the rice mixture. Dot with butter if using, placing small pieces of butter on top of the chicken for extra moisture and flavor.
Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. For chicken breasts, you may need to check them earlier (around 1 hour). The chicken should be fully cooked (165°F or 75°C internal temperature) and the rice tender.
Finishing touches: After baking, remove the foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Description:
Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish where everything cooks together in one pan, creating a savory and flavorful meal. The rice becomes perfectly tender and infused with the rich chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, while the chicken thighs or breasts stay juicy and tender. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick, no-fuss dinner. The seasoning is simple, but the result is a delicious, homey meal that the whole family will love.
Tips:
Use bone-in, skin-on chicken for extra flavor and juiciness. If you prefer boneless, skinless chicken, adjust the cooking time, as boneless chicken cooks faster.
Make sure to check the rice near the end of the cooking time. If it’s still a bit firm, you can add a splash of extra chicken broth or water and continue cooking covered until it softens.
Add vegetables like frozen peas, carrots, or corn for added color, flavor, and nutrients. Simply stir them in with the rice before adding the chicken.
If you prefer a crispy chicken skin, uncover the dish for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to allow the skin to crisp up.
Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Variations:
Creamy Mushroom: Add sliced mushrooms along with the soup mixture to give a creamy mushroom flavor to the dish.
Cheesy Version: Stir in some shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan) into the rice mixture before baking for a cheesy, comforting twist.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the rice mixture for a bit of heat.
Herb-infused: Add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the rice for added depth of flavor.
Brown Rice Version: Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier twist, but keep in mind it may require slightly more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Correction:
Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving to ensure it’s fully cooked. You may also need to check that the rice is tender and fully cooked by the end of the baking time—if not, add a little more liquid and bake a bit longer.
Enjoy:
Once your Forgotten Chicken and Rice is out of the oven and resting, enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors in every bite. The rice is tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, while the chicken is juicy and succulent. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside, and it’s so easy to prepare, you might find yourself making it again and again!