The Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe That Wows Every Time

Rediscovering a forgotten chicken and rice recipe might transport you back to childhood kitchen memories.

Warm aromas of slowly simmering ingredients drift through the house, creating anticipation.

Generations have treasured this comforting classic that blends simple ingredients with nostalgic flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice promise a meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Rustic yet elegant, this dish connects us to cherished cooking traditions passed down through families.

Each bite tells a story of love, care, and delicious simplicity.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this timeless comfort food that deserves a special place on your dinner table.

Variations on Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace onion soup mix with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Substitute cream soups with Greek yogurt, add dried oregano, thyme, and sprinkle feta cheese before serving for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Chicken: Mix in sautéed fresh mushrooms, use wild rice instead of white rice, and garnish with fresh parsley for an earthy, rich variation.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Swap water with coconut milk, stir in curry powder, and top with toasted coconut flakes for an aromatic international spin.

Pairings for Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Enhance Creamy Chicken with Zesty White Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy dish and refresh the palate with its bright acidity.
• Complement Comfort Food with Fresh Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs to balance the heavy, creamy texture of the chicken and rice.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini to introduce a healthy, vibrant element that contrasts the dish's creaminess.

Storage Advice for Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Preheat oven to 350F, place leftovers in covered baking dish, add splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

The name suggests you can prepare this dish quickly and leave it to bake without constant monitoring, making it a convenient one-pan meal for busy home cooks.

• Can I use different types of soup?

Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken or mushroom with cream of celery or other cream-based soups to adjust the flavor profile while maintaining the dish’s creamy texture.

• Is this recipe budget-friendly?

Absolutely! It uses simple, affordable ingredients like canned soups, rice, and chicken breasts, making it an economical meal that feeds a family without breaking the bank.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

Forgotten Chicken and Rice: Rediscover Comfort Food

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine everything in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum convenience, perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal routine.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A classic one-dish meal that satisfies picky eaters and hungry families with its creamy texture and hearty chicken and rice combination.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Requires minimal active cooking time, letting the oven do most of the work while you relax or tackle other household tasks.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable with optional cheese topping or side vegetable additions, making it a flexible recipe for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the primary protein source for this comforting casserole.

• White Rice: Provides a soft and fluffy foundation that absorbs the creamy soup mixture and creates a satisfying texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Create a rich and creamy base that adds depth of flavor and helps bind the dish together.
• Water: Helps to thin the soup mixture and cook the rice perfectly.

• Onion Soup Mix: Adds a savory and robust flavor profile to the entire dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a melty, tangy finish that adds extra richness to the casserole.

• Butter: Used to grease the baking pan and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during baking to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.

How to Prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F (175C), getting ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Prep Your Cooking Canvas

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and generously coat it with butter to create a non-stick surface that will make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Create the Magical Mixture

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Water
• Uncooked rice

Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, creamy blend that promises comfort in every bite.

Step 4: Layer the Goodness

Pour the soupy rice mixture into your buttered baking dish, creating a dreamy base.

Gently nestle chicken breasts on top of this creamy foundation.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Flavor Bomb

Generously scatter onion soup mix over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets a delightful seasoning shower.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Wrap the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, creating a steamy cocoon for your meal. Slide into the preheated oven and let it bake for 1 to 1½ hours.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is completely cooked and the rice has transformed into a tender masterpiece.

Step 7: Add a Cheesy Crown

For those who love an extra touch of indulgence, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top, letting it melt into a golden, irresistible layer.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow your culinary creation to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors mingle and settle.

Scoop directly from the baking dish and enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness you’ve just created.

Tips for Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Rinse rice before mixing to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separated grains.
• Replace cream soups with low-sodium or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary restrictions.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Sauté onions or add garlic powder before mixing for an extra layer of rich, savory taste.
• Let chicken rest covered after baking to lock in juices and maintain tenderness.

Forgotten Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this forgotten chicken and rice recipe, reviving a classic family favorite with tender meat and creamy rice. Home cooks will rediscover a hearty meal that warms hearts and satisfies hunger with simple, wholesome ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains:

• 2 cups instant rice

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) water
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the comforting casserole.
2. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, ensuring no surface is left unprotected from potential sticking.
3. Create a smooth, uniform base by whisking together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until completely integrated.
4. Transfer the silky soup-rice mixture into the prepared baking pan, establishing an even foundation for the chicken.
5. Carefully arrange chicken breasts atop the liquid mixture, nestling them gently into the creamy landscape.
6. Liberally dust the entire surface with onion soup mix, distributing seasoning evenly to maximize flavor penetration.
7. Seal the baking pan completely with aluminum foil, trapping moisture and ensuring thorough cooking.
8. Slide the covered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 1 to 1½ hours, monitoring until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and rice absorbs all liquid.
9. During the final 10 minutes, remove foil and scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the surface for a golden, crispy finish.
10. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize before serving directly from the baking pan.

Notes

• Swap cream soups with homemade versions for lower sodium and more controlled ingredients.
• Experiment with different rice varieties like brown rice or wild rice for added nutrition and texture complexity.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor and more moisture retention.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular onion soup mix with gluten-free alternatives and using cornstarch instead of traditional thickeners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 343 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg