Sometimes life moves faster than you do. You finish your work quickly, and before you know it, it’s time for dinner without even thinking about it. “Chicken and Rice That You Forgot” is what you need. It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to stay alive. You can still create something warm, tasty, and filling even if you forget to cook dinner because this recipe is so easy and forgiving. This meal is great for families with a lot going on, exhausted cooks, or anyone who wants homemade comfort food without spending a lot of time or money.
To make this recipe, you just need a few simple things that are easy to get in most kitchens or grocery stores. One pound (around 450 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts is the primary part of this dish. These are the parts that make up the protein. Boneless chicken thighs are a great choice if you want a cut that is softer and tastes nice. You can work with them better if you cook them for a little longer. That’s why they work so well in casseroles like this one.
Next, gather two cups of rice that cooks quickly. You can choose between brown and white rice, depending on what you want. Instant rice is important since it cooks faster and more uniformly in the creamy mix. You can use ordinary rice, but keep in mind that it might take longer and absorb up more liquid, so you might need to make some changes.
You’ll need one can (10.5 ounces) of cream of chicken soup and one can (10.5 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup to form the rich, creamy base that makes this dinner so comfortable. These two go well together and provide both taste and texture. The cream of mushroom adds an earthy depth to the meal, while the cream of chicken gives it the classic, savory flavor that makes chicken and rice recipes so nostalgic. Add the empty soup can and 10.5 ounces of water to the mix. The water will help everything come together and cook right. The water makes the soup thin enough for the rice to soak up the flavors while it cooks.
A packet of dried onion soup mix is one of the hidden flavor boosters in this dish. You only need one packet to make the chicken taste like you spent hours making a marinade. It makes a thick layer of flavor that seeps into the rice as it bakes, which makes everything taste better.
Don’t forget to grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with about a tablespoon of butter before you mix everything together. This stops items from adhering and gives the finished product a hint of butter flavor. It’s time to start adding layers of taste after you’ve eaten.
In a big bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, measured water, and instant rice. Mix everything together until the rice is evenly coated and the mixture is smooth. Spread this mixture out equally on the bottom of the baking dish that has been buttered. When you bake this layer, it will turn into the soft, tasty rice base.
Next, place the chicken breasts right on top of the rice. Put them on the plate flat so they cook all the way through. If you want, you can add more salt and pepper here, but the onion soup mix will taste delicious on its own. Put the whole packet of onion soup mix on top of the chicken. It may seem like a lot, but don’t worry; the meal will taste better and have more depth while it cooks.
To keep the moisture in, wrap the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it for 60 to 90 minutes, depending on how thick the chicken is and how hot the oven is. You want the chicken to be fully cooked, with no pink in the middle, and the rice to be soft and delicate. Cut into the thickest part of one of the chicken breasts to see if you’re not sure.
If you want to add something extra, take off the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Let it melt and get golden and bubbly. This makes a cheesy, gooey layer on top that makes the food taste even better.
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it cool for five minutes before serving. The rice grows a little firmer and the steam keeps cooking everything slowly, which makes it easier to serve.
This recipe is great on its own and filling, but it also tastes good with some simple sides. A unique, crisp green salad with a tangy dressing offers variety and freshness. You may make meals healthier by steaming broccoli or green beans. Serve it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce that forms in the bottom of the pan if you want to treat yourself.
The best feature is that you can modify “Forgotten Chicken and Rice.” You can add frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn right to the rice mix to make it your own. Is there any chicken that has already been cooked in the fridge? Cut it up and mix it with the rice before you bake it. Want to give yourself a bit more? Put in some additional cheese or cream. You can change this recipe to fit your tastes.
After a hard day when you didn’t have to worry about it, there aren’t many things that feel better than taking a bubbling, creamy, flavorful supper out of the oven. It’s easy to make and hard to forget, which makes Forgotten Chicken and Rice remarkable.
