Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients that come together effortlessly. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The main protein in the dish. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
2 cups instant rice (white or brown) – Instant rice makes this recipe quicker and easier to prepare, though you can substitute with regular rice if you prefer.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – This adds creaminess and a savory base to the dish.
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup – Adds richness and flavor that complements the cream of chicken soup.
1 can (10.5 oz) water – Use the empty soup can to measure out the water. It helps thin out the soup mixture to create the perfect consistency for the rice.
1 envelope onion soup mix – This seasoning blend packs a lot of flavor and gives the chicken and rice a savory kick.
1 tablespoon butter – For greasing the baking dish, ensuring the rice doesn’t stick.
Optional Additions
To customize this dish to your liking or to add more variety, you can include some of the following optional ingredients:
Shredded cheddar cheese – Sprinkle on top for an added cheesy finish.
Frozen vegetables – Carrots, peas, or corn are great options that can be added to make the dish even more hearty.
Diced chicken – If you want to add more chicken or use leftover cooked chicken, diced pieces can be mixed into the rice for extra protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when it’s time to bake your dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Next, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter. This will prevent the rice from sticking to the pan during baking and ensure a smooth, easy clean-up afterward.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the following:
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of mushroom soup
Water (use the empty soup can to measure)
Instant rice
Stir these ingredients together until they’re well blended, and the rice is evenly distributed throughout the soup mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Pour the soup and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the pan.Next, place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. You can lay them flat or even season them with a pinch of salt and pepper if desired.
Step 5: Add Seasoning
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This seasoning mix adds depth of flavor and helps the chicken stay juicy while it bakes.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1 to 1½ hours. You’ll want the chicken to be fully cooked through, and the rice should be tender. You can check for doneness by slicing the chicken to ensure there is no pink in the center, and the rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Step 7: Optional Topping
For an extra touch of flavor, uncover the pan during the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken breasts. Allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown for a cheesy, bubbly finish.
Step 8: Serve
Once the dish is done, let it stand for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Then, serve your Forgotten Chicken and Rice directly from the pan for a warm, satisfying meal.
