Forgotten Chicken

      Some days, just remembering to turn on the oven feels like a victory, so the name “Forgotten Chicken” couldn’t be more fitting. This is a true set-it-and-forget-it dish, perfect for busy nights when you need a meal that practically cooks itself. I first came across it on Pinterest during a particularly hectic week, and ever since, it’s been a staple in my dinner rotation.

This dish is hearty, comforting, and fills the house with an amazing aroma. Best of all, it requires just a few simple pantry staples, rice, chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and a packet of onion soup mix. Chances are, you already have everything you need on your hands. If you’re looking for an effortless, satisfying meal, this one checks all the boxes. Let’s get started!

Ingredients :

• 1 cup instant brown rice (or instant with rice works too, whatever you’ve got on hand)
• 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of water (just use one of the empty soup cans to measure)
• 1 packet onion soup mix (the classic Lipton kind works great)
• 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts (try to use thinner ones, or pound them out a bit so they cook evenly)
• 1 tablespoon butter, for greasing the pan

Instructions : 

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s always a good idea to start preheating early so it’s ready when you are!

Prepare the Baking Dish

Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with butter for extra richness. While cooking spray works, butter adds a cozy depth of flavor to the rice as it bakes.

Mix the Soup and Rice

In a mixing bowl, stir together:

• Instant rice
• Two cans of cream of chicken soup
• One can of water

Mix until smooth, then spread it evenly in the buttered baking dish. This forms the flavorful base that the rice will absorb while baking.

Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. If they’re thick, slice them in half or pound them slightly to even out the thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and obviously stay juicy. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring each piece is nestled into the rice.

Sprinkle on the Onion Soup Mix

Evenly sprinkle a packet of onion soup mix over the chicken. This simple step infuses the dish with deep, savory flavor, making the chicken taste like it’s been marinating for hours.

Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly using foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). By the end, the rice should be tender and creamy.

• Tip: If your chicken pieces are on the thinner side, check for doneness around the 40-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Rest and Serve

Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid. Then, serve up a scoop of tender chicken and creamy rice for a simple, comforting meal that’s full of flavor!

What to Serve with Forgotten Chicken

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a fresh, green side dish adds a nice balance. Here are some easy options:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans : Simple, quick, and delicious when mixed into the rice.
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus : If you have a little extra time (or an air fryer), these add great texture and flavor.
• A quick salad : When you want to keep things effortless, a light salad is a perfect way to balance out the richness of the chicken and rice.

No matter what you choose, a fresh side makes this comforting meal even better!

Tips and Variations 

For Mushroom Lovers: 

   The original recipe actually uses cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. Both versions taste great, but if you enjoy mushrooms, go for it! Just be prepared for a richer, earthier flavor.

Low-Sodium Option:

   The soup and onion mix can be quite salty. To cut back on sodium, opt for low-sodium versions of the soup and skip any added salt. Also, avoid seasoning the chicken with extra salt, there’s plenty of flavor already.

Leftovers (If There Are Any!): 

   This dish reheats beautifully. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, just microwave a portion with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. It makes for an easy and satisfying lunch the next day.

Conclusion:

      This “Forgotten Chicken” has been a lifesaver for dinner more times than I can remember. It’s one of those foolproof meals that everyone loves, and the best part? Once it’s in the oven, there’s hardly any work left to do.

Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone looking for a comforting, no-fuss meal, this recipe is definitely worth trying. Chances are, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!