If you are searching for a comforting, simple dish that feels like a warm hug on a busy day, look no further than this Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe. This timeless casserole combines tender chicken breasts with creamy soups, flavorful Lipton onion soup mix, and fluffy Minute rice to create a comforting meal that’s effortless to prepare but unforgettable in taste. It’s the kind of recipe that you might forget about for years and then rediscover to find it just as delicious and heartwarming as ever. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a family or having plenty of leftovers ready for the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy soups that keep the chicken moist to the onion soup mix that adds a punch of savory goodness, every item is essential.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb): Choose fresh or thawed chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat.
- Minute rice (2 cups): Quick-cooking rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors from the soups and broth.
- Cream of mushroom soup (1 can): Adds a savory earthiness and creaminess that makes the casserole rich.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can): Brings a mild, comforting chicken flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- Water (1 can, measured by using a soup can): Keeps the rice perfectly tender as it bakes alongside the chicken.
- Lipton onion soup mix (1 envelope): The secret ingredient that delivers a boost of oniony, herby flavor on top of the chicken.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For greasing the casserole dish to ensure nothing sticks and to add subtle richness.
How to Make Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Getting your oven ready at the start is a small but important step. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) so that once your casserole is assembled, it can go right in without any delay, ensuring even cooking from start to finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Lightly butter a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of flavor. This simple step makes cleanup easier and lends a subtle buttery kindness to every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Minute rice, and one can of water. Whisk these together until the rice is fully coated and everything is well blended. This mixture will be the delicious base that cooks the rice and flavors the chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the rice and soup mixture into your buttered casserole dish, spreading it out in an even layer. Arrange the chicken breasts on top with a little space between each piece to ensure they bake evenly and remain juicy.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts. This ingredient brings an unbeatable flavor boost that is the hallmark of the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the chicken reaches that perfect tenderness and the rice is fluffy and fully cooked. This is where all the flavors meld together into something truly comforting.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
When you remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This short pause helps the juices settle, ensuring each bite is juicy and the dish has the perfect consistency. Serve hot and watch everyone’s faces light up!
How to Serve Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of green color and freshness that elevates the creamy casserole beautifully. For a little crunch, toasted almonds or crispy fried onions sprinkled on top create a delightful contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
This hearty chicken and rice casserole pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a lightly dressed coleslaw. The side dishes should provide a fresh balance to the rich, creamy casserole, keeping the meal well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or layer with thin slices of cooked vegetables before baking to add color and nutrition. You can even add a little shredded cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making for equally satisfying meals the next day. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe before baking. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat for about 15-20 minutes depending on portion size.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Brown rice has a longer cooking time and a different texture, so it is not recommended for this recipe unless you precook it. Minute rice cooks quickly and absorbs the soup mixture perfectly.
Is it okay to use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before assembling the casserole to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! Chopped mushrooms, peas, or diced carrots can be stirred into the rice mixture before baking to add color and nutrition.
What can I substitute for Lipton onion soup mix?
If you don’t have Lipton onion soup mix, you can use a homemade mix of dried onion flakes, beef or vegetable bouillon powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of herbs. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken breasts should be opaque and juices run clear when cut into.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this amazing and surprisingly simple dish, it’s time to bring the Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe back into your life. Whether you’re feeding family, prepping for a busy week, or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try—you just might make it a permanent favorite on your dinner rotation.
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Amazing Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a comforting, easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a flavorful mixture of cream soups and Minute rice, seasoned with Lipton onion soup mix. This one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a creamy, savory dish with minimal prep and clean-up.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Rice & Soups
- 2 cups Minute rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1 can of water (use one of the soup cans for measurement, about 10.5 oz)
Seasoning & Fats
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix (approx. 1 oz)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the casserole dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Minute rice, and one can of water. Stir until the rice is fully coated and the mixture is evenly combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the rice and soup mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top, ensuring they are spaced evenly across the dish.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the entire envelope of Lipton onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance the flavor.
- Bake the Dish: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked through, and the rice tender.
- Serve: Once baked, remove the foil and let the casserole sit for a few minutes to settle. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting chicken and rice casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute the Lipton onion soup mix with homemade onion soup seasoning for a lower sodium option.
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pounding them gently can help.
- Covering tightly with foil is key to preventing the dish from drying out during baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a bit of milk or sour cream before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
