Introduction
Let’s be honest—some of the best recipes are the ones we’ve, well, almost forgotten. The forgotten chicken recipe is one of those gems: a dish that’s simple to make, incredibly comforting, and oh-so-reliable. Whether you’ve had a crazy busy day or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe has got your back.
Why’s it called “forgotten chicken,” you ask? Because you literally pop it in the oven (or slow cooker), go about your day, and come back to a delicious, home-cooked meal. That’s right—no babysitting the stove, no complicated techniques. It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal.
So, grab a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea, and let’s dive into why this recipe is a family favorite and how you can make it a staple in your kitchen. Spoiler alert: It’s easier than you think!
What Is the Forgotten Chicken Recipe?
Forgotten chicken is one of those old-school dishes that’s been around forever, probably because it’s ridiculously easy and always delivers. It’s made with just a few pantry staples: chicken, rice, a can or two of soup, and some basic spices. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with perfectly cooked rice that soaks up all those flavors.
What really makes this dish stand out, however, is how customizable it is. For instance, if you’re in the mood, you can toss in some mushrooms or even sprinkle on some cheese—go for it! And if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you might consider adding a dash of paprika or garlic powder to kick things up a notch. While the base recipe is already amazing as it is, it’s also, quite frankly, a blank canvas for all your creative tweaks.
And if you’re wondering why everyone raves about it, here’s the thing: It’s not just about convenience. This dish tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when, really, it was cooking itself while you got other stuff done. Win-win!
Why Is It Called Forgotten Chicken?
The name might sound funny, but there’s a good reason for it. When you make forgotten chicken, you literally “forget” about it while it cooks. Toss everything into a baking dish or slow cooker, cover it, and walk away. Hours later, you’ve got a meal that’s ready to serve without breaking a sweat.
This recipe became a hit in the days when casseroles reigned supreme—those glorious 1950s and ’60s when busy families needed hearty meals without the hassle. It’s survived the decades because, let’s face it, some things never go out of style.
Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken recipe
Alright, so let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—the ingredients! First off, what I love about this recipe is just how simple and flexible it is. Plus, chances are, you already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge, which is a huge win. So, without further ado, here’s exactly what you’ll need:
Main Ingredients
- Chicken thighs or drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on preferred): 6 pieces
(You can also use chicken breasts, but bone-in adds more flavor and keeps the meat tender.) - White rice (uncooked): 1 cup
(Long-grain white rice works best, but jasmine or basmati can also do the trick.)
Flavorful Liquids
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
- Chicken broth: 1 ½ cups
(You can substitute water in a pinch, but broth gives it that rich, comforting taste.)
Spices and Seasonings
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, but great for a smoky kick and color)
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced mushrooms: 1 cup
(For an earthy touch.) - Shredded cheddar cheese: ½ cup
(Sprinkle on top for some melty goodness.) - Diced onions: ½ cup
(Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.)
Pro Tips for Ingredients
- Chicken Cuts: Bone-in chicken is the secret to juicy meat, but if you only have boneless, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Rice Choice: Avoid quick-cooking rice or brown rice unless you adjust liquid and cooking time—it changes the texture.
Want to give your chicken recipes an upgrade? Check out these pro tips for keeping chicken cutlets moist and flavorful.
Step BY Step for Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Alright, so now it’s time to bring everything together! And here’s the best part about the forgotten chicken recipe—seriously, you don’t need any fancy skills or special tools. All you’ll need is a baking dish or slow cooker, a handful of ingredients, and, honestly, just a little patience while the magic happens. Plus, the steps are so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner!
Here’s the step-by-step process:
1: Preheat Your Oven (or Prep Your Slow Cooker)
- For Oven Cooking: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, you can start preparing the rice mixture to save some time. Once the oven is ready, you’ll have everything prepped and good to go.
- For Slow Cooker: Skip the preheating—just plug it in and set it to low or high, depending on your timeline (more on this below).
2: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Mix everything until it’s well blended. The mixture will look creamy and a little thick, but don’t worry—the rice will soak up all that goodness as it cooks.
3: Assemble in the Baking Dish (or Slow Cooker)
- For the Oven:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Place your chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle paprika (optional) over the chicken for a touch of smoky flavor and color.
- For the Slow Cooker:
- Spray the slow cooker insert with non-stick spray.
- Layer the rice mixture at the bottom.
- Lay the chicken pieces on top, ensuring they’re nestled into the rice mixture a bit.
- Add paprika (optional) or other seasonings directly onto the chicken.
4: Cover and Cook
- For Oven Cooking:
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.
- Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you’re adding cheese, uncover for the last 10 minutes, sprinkle on the cheese, and let it melt.
- For Slow Cooker Cooking:
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender, and the rice will absorb all the flavors.
5: Check and Serve
- Once cooking is done, check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- Stir the rice to fluff it up and make sure everything is well combined.
- Plate it up and serve with your favorite sides!
Tips and Tricks for Forgotten Chicken recipe
Now that you’ve got the basics down, let’s talk about making this dish even better. While the forgotten chicken recipe is already a winner for its simplicity and comfort-food vibes, there are a few tips and tricks to ensure you knock it out of the park every single time.
Common Mistakes When Cooking Forgotten Chicken Recipe
1. Dry Chicken? No Thanks!
If your chicken turns out a little dry, it’s likely because the cooking time was too long or the oven temperature was too high. Stick to bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for juicier results. The bones help retain moisture, and the skin adds extra flavor while sealing in the juices.
- Pro Tip: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and your favorite spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Rice Not Fully Cooked?
Rice can be a little picky sometimes. If it’s undercooked, it might not have had enough liquid or steam. Always ensure your dish is tightly covered during baking (foil works best) or your slow cooker lid is snug.
- Fix It: Add a splash of chicken broth and pop it back in the oven (covered) for another 10-15 minutes.
3. Too Salty or Bland?
The canned soups and broth can add a lot of salt, so taste as you go. Start with less salt in the mix and adjust after it’s cooked.
- Pro Tip: For a flavor boost without extra salt, toss in a bay leaf or a sprig of fresh thyme while cooking.
Add-Ons and Variations
1. Veggie-Packed Version
Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in any of the following before cooking:
- Mushrooms (sliced, about 1 cup)
- Peas (frozen, about ½ cup)
- Carrots (shredded or diced, about ½ cup)
These add-ons not only bring extra nutrition but also make the dish a colorful, one-pot meal.
2. Cheesy Goodness
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the last 10 minutes of baking can take this recipe from good to “OMG, amazing!” Don’t be shy—cheese makes everything better, right?
3. Spice It Up
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the rice mixture.
4. Herby Vibes
Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or dill can be sprinkled over the dish just before serving. It adds a fresh pop of flavor that balances out the richness of the meal.
Time-Saving Hacks
1. Pre-Mix the Ingredients
If you know you’ll be busy, mix the rice, soups, and broth ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook.
2. Make It a Freezer Meal
Want to plan ahead? Assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly, and freeze it. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and pop it in the oven or slow cooker.
Quick Cleanup Tip
Line your baking dish with parchment paper or use a disposable foil pan. It’s a lifesaver when it comes to washing up after dinner. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later!
FAQs Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Here are some common questions about cooking chicken, with tips and tricks to make your dish even better.
1. What to Do If You Forgot to Season Chicken?
Don’t sweat it—there’s still hope! If you forgot to season the chicken before cooking, you can season it after it’s done. Here’s how:
- For Oven-Baked Chicken: Brush the chicken with a little melted butter or olive oil and sprinkle your seasonings on top. Pop it back in the oven for 5-10 minutes to help the flavors stick.
- For Slow Cooker Chicken: Mix your seasonings into the juices or sauce and baste the chicken before serving.
- Quick Fix: Serve it with a flavorful sauce or gravy, like a creamy mushroom or garlic butter sauce, to make up for the lack of seasoning.
Pro tip for next time: Season both the chicken and the dish’s liquids for maximum flavor!
2. What Is the Secret to Moist Chicken Breast?
Chicken breast can be tricky to keep moist, but these tips will save the day:
- Use Bone-In, Skin-On: The bone and skin help lock in moisture during cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Brine It: Soak the chicken breast in a simple brine (water, salt, and sugar) for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds moisture and enhances flavor.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices from escaping.
3. How to Make Chicken Thin?
If your recipe calls for thin chicken pieces, here’s how to get them just right:
- Butterfly It: Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast horizontally, almost all the way through, then open it like a book.
- Pound It Out: Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet (or a heavy pan) to gently pound it to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking.
- Buy Pre-Sliced: Many grocery stores sell thinly sliced chicken breasts, saving you time and effort.
Pro tip: When pounding chicken, aim for about ½ inch thickness for the best results in most recipes.
4. How to Cook a Chicken Gordon Ramsay Style?
Gordon Ramsay is known for his flavorful and perfectly cooked chicken dishes. Here’s a quick rundown of how to achieve a restaurant-worthy result:
- Season Well: Ramsay emphasizes the importance of seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs.
- Pan-Sear First: Heat a pan with olive oil until hot, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden. This locks in the juices and creates a beautiful crust.
- Finish in the Oven: Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven (about 375°F) to finish cooking. This method keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
- Add a Sauce: Gordon loves finishing with a sauce. Try a lemon butter or wine reduction sauce drizzled over the chicken for an extra touch of elegance.
Conclusion about Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Cooking chicken, whether for a classic like forgotten chicken or a gourmet dish, is all about balancing flavor, moisture, and technique. Keep these tips handy, and you’ll never stress over your chicken recipes again.