As a busy working mom, I’m always searching for simple, tasty recipes. The “Forgotten Chicken” recipe is a creamy, savory chicken and rice casserole. It’s perfect for a family-friendly weeknight meal.
With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is a lifesaver. It’s comforting and home-cooked, even when I’m tired.
The Forgotten Chicken recipe is easy to make and cooks itself. You need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, minute rice, and a few cans of condensed soup. It’s ready in the oven with just 10 minutes of work.
The result is a hearty, satisfying casserole. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
What is Forgotten Chicken and Its Origins
Forgotten Chicken, also known as “No-Peek” Chicken, is a beloved comfort food. It has been a favorite in many homes for decades. The dish started in the 1970s, thanks to Campbell’s Soup company.
It got its name because you can “forget” about it once it’s in the oven. This makes cooking it easy and convenient.
History of Campbell’s Original Recipe
The first Forgotten Chicken recipe used Cream of Celery and Golden Mushroom soups. These soups made a creamy, savory sauce. This sauce wrapped around the chicken, making it tender and moist.
Why It’s Called “Forgotten” Chicken
The recipe is called “Forgotten” because it’s cooked without much attention. You just put the chicken, rice, and soup in a dish and bake it. It cooks for about 45 minutes to an hour.
During this time, you can forget about it until it’s ready to eat.
Evolution of the Recipe Through Decades
Over time, Forgotten Chicken has changed to fit new tastes and diets. Now, people use different soups like Cream of Chicken or Mushroom. They also add veggies or spices to make it their own.
Essential Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make the classic Forgotten Chicken recipe, you need simple yet tasty ingredients. The main part is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They’re lean and cook evenly. You also need Minute Rice, in white or brown, for the fluffy base.
The creamy sauce comes from cans of cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Add a cup of water to thin it out. Butter and Lipton Onion Soup Mix add flavor. For a cheesy top, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on before baking.
You’ll need a 9×13 inch baking dish and a medium-sized mixing bowl. Also, have basic kitchen tools like a spatula, chef’s knife, and meat thermometer. This ensures the chicken reaches 165°F safely.
With these ingredients and tools, you’re ready to make a tasty Forgotten Chicken meal. It’s a crowd-pleasing chicken casserole recipe that’s easy to prepare and cooks hands-off.
Step-by-Step Forgotten Chicken Recipe
Get the family together for a tasty and easy dinner with the Forgotten Chicken recipe. It’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy nights. It’s a chicken and rice dish that everyone will love. Let’s make this family favorite together.
Preparing the Rice Base
First, heat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Mix 2 cups of Minute rice, a 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup, a 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup, and a 10.5 oz can of water in a big bowl. Stir well, then pour it into the baking dish.
Layering the Chicken
- Put 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice. Make sure they’re in a single layer.
- Evenly sprinkle Lipton onion soup mix over the chicken. Make sure it covers the whole surface.
Adding the Signature Seasonings
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. The chicken should be cooked and the rice should soak up all the flavors. This dish is a great family dinner that’s easy to make and very satisfying.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 688 |
| Total Fat | 15.0g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.6g |
| Cholesterol | 116.8mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 92.1g |
| Protein | 41.6g |
| Sodium | 1,624.4mg |
Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
When making the classic simple chicken recipes like Forgotten Chicken, follow these tips for perfect results. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken in the last 10 minutes of baking. This adds a creamy, delicious topping.
For dark meat lovers, use chicken tenders instead of breasts. This cuts the cooking time by about 30 minutes. Dicing the chicken into small pieces before baking makes it easier to serve and cooks more evenly.
For fluffier rice, use regular long-grain white rice instead of Minute Rice. You’ll need to add more water and cook it longer. You can also swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the traditional breasts.
These tips will make your one-pot meals and chicken dinner ideas even better. The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize for your family’s taste.
| Ingredient | Recommendation | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless chicken breasts or thighs | Optimal texture and flavor |
| Rice | Long-grain white rice | Cooks evenly with a light, fluffy texture |
| Baking Temperature | 350°F (175°C) | Ensures thorough cooking |
| Baking Time | 1 hour, with an additional 10 minutes if needed | Allows the dish to bake to perfection |
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
The “Forgotten Chicken” recipe is not only tasty but also healthy. Each serving, which is 1/8 of the recipe, has 231 calories. It also has 26g of carbs, 17g of protein, and 6g of fat. This includes 2g of saturated fat.
It has 45mg of cholesterol and 1020mg of sodium. This makes it high in sodium. So, those on low-sodium diets should be careful.
Calorie Breakdown
The calories in the “Forgotten Chicken” recipe are well-distributed. Carbohydrates add 104 calories, protein adds 68 calories, and fat adds 54 calories. This ensures a balanced meal.
Portion Control Guidelines
The recipe serves 6-8 people, depending on how much you eat. It’s important to control portions for a healthy lifestyle. A single serving of 1/8 of the recipe is satisfying and full of nutrients.
Dietary Considerations
The “Forgotten Chicken” recipe can be adjusted for different diets. It’s gluten-free and high in protein, making it good for low-carb or keto diets. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can skip the toasted almonds. Vegetarians can use a plant-based protein instead of chicken.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/8 of recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231 |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Protein | 17g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 1020mg |
| Potassium | 318mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This Forgotten Chicken recipe is not just tasty. It’s also great for meal prep. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or enjoying leftovers later.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes on high. For extra moisture, add 1-2 tablespoons of broth or water before reheating.
Want to prep ahead? Freeze the Forgotten Chicken for up to 3 months. Cool it down, then put it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in a 350°F oven until hot.
| Meal Prep Tip | Storage Duration | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days | Microwave 1-2 minutes, add 1-2 tbsp broth/water |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | Thaw overnight, reheat in 350°F oven |
These tips make it easy to enjoy Forgotten Chicken anytime. Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a prep-ahead option, it’s always a hit.
Conclusion
Forgotten Chicken is a dish that has been loved for decades. It’s great for busy families because it’s easy to make and fills you up. You can change it up to fit your taste and dietary needs.
If you want a comforting family-friendly dinner or a quick easy chicken dish for a weeknight, try Forgotten Chicken. It’s easy to make, even for beginners. The chicken and rice are tender and full of flavor, bringing back memories of the past.
When you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly meal, choose Forgotten Chicken. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the memories it brings to your table.
FAQ
What is Forgotten Chicken and where does it originate from?
Forgotten Chicken is a creamy, savory dish made with chicken and rice. It originated in the 1970s, popularized by Campbell’s Soup. The name “Forgotten” or “No-Peek” comes from its simplicity—you can “forget” about it while it bakes.
What are the key ingredients in Forgotten Chicken?
The main ingredients are boneless, skinless chicken breasts and Minute Rice. Additional ingredients include cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, butter, and Lipton Onion Soup Mix.
What equipment is needed to make Forgotten Chicken?
To prepare Forgotten Chicken, you’ll need a 9×13 baking pan, mixing bowls, and aluminum foil.
How do you prepare Forgotten Chicken?
Mix the soups, water, and rice in a bowl, then pour the mixture into a buttered 9×13 baking pan. Lay the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle with Lipton Onion Soup Mix. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours at 350°F.
Can Forgotten Chicken be modified or customized?
Yes, you can customize Forgotten Chicken by using chicken tenders or diced chicken for easier serving. Substitute regular rice for Minute Rice, or add cheese during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra flavor.
How do you store and reheat Forgotten Chicken leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes on high, adding 1-2 tablespoons of broth to keep the rice moist. You can also freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven.
What is the nutritional information for Forgotten Chicken?
Each serving (1/8 of the recipe) has approximately 231 calories, 26g carbohydrates, 17g protein, and 6g fat. It contains 2g saturated fat, 45mg cholesterol, and 1020mg sodium. Due to its high sodium content, it may not be suitable for low-sodium diets.
