Forgotten Chicken Recipe

The Forgotten Chicken Recipe That Became Our Family Favorite

My grandma’s forgotten chicken recipe carries whispers of nostalgia from her weathered kitchen in rural georgia.

Dusty cookbooks often hide culinary treasures waiting to be rediscovered.

Childhood memories flood back with each carefully measured ingredient, revealing flavors that time almost erased.

Generations of home cooks have carefully preserved this delectable dish through handwritten notes and shared stories.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat promise a meal that connects you directly to cherished family traditions.

Unexpected simplicity makes this recipe a true gem tucked away in culinary memory.

Uncover this delightful secret and let your taste buds journey through generations of home-cooked comfort.

What You’ll Appreciate in Forgotten Chicken

  • Effortless Cooking: Minimal prep work means you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal with family and friends.
  • Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it a perfect go-to recipe when you're low on fresh ingredients or don't want to make a special grocery trip.
  • Comforting One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, rice, and flavor in a single baking dish, creating a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy, savory goodness.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Requires affordable ingredients and feeds a crowd without breaking the bank, making it an excellent option for families looking to enjoy a delicious meal on a budget.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base for the comforting casserole.
  • White Rice: Soft, starchy foundation of the dish.
Soup and Seasoning:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Water: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce.
  • Dry Onion Soup Mix: Adds rich, savory flavor to the entire dish.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents sticking and aids in greasing the baking dish.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and steam during baking.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a large baking dish and lightly coat the surface with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Rice Foundation

Spread uncooked rice in an even layer across the bottom of the baking dish. This will create a delicious base for your casserole.

Step 3: Position Chicken Layers

Gently place chicken breasts directly on top of the rice layer. Arrange them so they are evenly spaced and covered.

Step 4: Mix Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine ingredients:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Water

Whisk these ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and fully blended.

Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Casserole

Slowly pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything gets a nice, even coating.

Step 6: Add Flavor Enhancer

Sprinkle dry onion soup mix across the entire casserole, distributing it evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 7: Cover And Bake

Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes without removing the foil.

Step 8: Check And Serve

After baking time, carefully remove from oven. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. The rice should be tender and the chicken fully cooked.

Tips to Master the No-Fuss Forgotten Chicken Recipe

  • Seal in Moisture: Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam, ensuring tender and juicy chicken that doesn't dry out during baking.
  • Prevent Rice Sticking: Lightly grease the baking dish to help the rice release easily and prevent burning or sticking to the bottom.
  • Choose the Right Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it absorbs liquid perfectly and cooks evenly underneath the chicken.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Replace regular onion soup mix with a low-sodium version to control salt intake without compromising flavor.
  • Enhance Flavor Boost: Sprinkle dried herbs like thyme or rosemary over the chicken before baking to add extra aromatic depth to the dish.

Reheat Forgotten Chicken with Ease

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in covered baking dish with small amount of water or broth. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Serving Ideas for Forgotten Chicken

  • Savor Wine Pairing: Crisp chardonnay complements the creamy chicken dish, cutting through its richness with bright, refreshing acidity.
  • Enhance Side Dish: Roasted asparagus spears with garlic and lemon create a perfect vegetable accompaniment, adding brightness and texture to the comforting chicken and rice.
  • Match Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the final dish to introduce a light, fresh element that balances the creamy, hearty flavors.
  • Select Bread Companion: Warm crusty French bread or garlic dinner rolls help soak up the delicious sauce, providing a satisfying and complete meal experience.

Forgotten Chicken Recipe Ideas

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream of chicken soup with gluten-free cream soup alternative and use gluten-free onion soup mix to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Substitute regular onion soup mix with a low-sodium version and use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to decrease overall salt content for heart-healthy diets.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken breasts with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, maintaining the same cooking method and seasonings for a meat-free protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free, perfect for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies.

FAQs

  • Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer baking time, typically about 15-20 minutes extra.

  • Is this recipe suitable for people who are lactose intolerant?

The recipe uses cream of chicken soup, which might contain dairy. To make it lactose-free, look for dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternatives or use a homemade dairy-free version.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re baking it straight from the refrigerator.

  • What can I do if I don't have dry onion soup mix?

Create a substitute by mixing dried minced onion, beef bouillon powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will provide a similar flavor profile to the original recipe.

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Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Forgotten Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Grandma’s secret “Forgotten Chicken” whispers nostalgia through tender, herb-infused meat that melts on your palate. Slow-cooked comfort emerges from this timeless Southern classic, inviting you to savor each comforting, home-style bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Grains and Starches:

  • 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)

Seasonings and Sauces:

  • 1 packet dry onion soup mix
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Instructions

  1. Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F and coating a spacious baking vessel with a light lubricating layer.
  2. Create a uniform foundation of uncooked rice across the bottom of the selected cooking dish.
  3. Carefully arrange chicken breasts directly atop the rice layer, ensuring even placement.
  4. Combine cream of chicken soup with water in a separate mixing container, whisking until achieving a seamless, homogeneous liquid consistency.
  5. Gently cascade the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, allowing it to distribute evenly and create a luxurious coating.
  6. Generously dust the entire surface with dry onion soup mix, ensuring comprehensive coverage across all ingredients.
  7. Seal the baking dish completely with aluminum foil, creating an airtight environment that will trap moisture and enhance flavor infusion.
  8. Transfer the covered dish into the preheated oven and allow it to transform for approximately 90 minutes, maintaining the foil seal throughout the entire cooking duration to preserve moisture and tenderness.
  9. After the designated cooking time, carefully remove the foil and assess the chicken’s internal temperature and rice’s texture to confirm complete preparation.

Notes

  • Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in steam, ensuring the chicken stays incredibly juicy and tender throughout cooking.
  • Use long-grain white rice for best texture, preventing mushy or undercooked grains during the extended baking time.
  • Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery for a different flavor profile, accommodating various taste preferences.
  • Choose low-sodium soup mix and broth to control salt levels, making the dish heart-healthier without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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