Grandma’s Love-Filled Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

Rediscovering a forgotten chicken and rice recipe can transport you back to childhood kitchens with unexpected comfort.

Memories often hide in simple dishes passed down through generations.

Nostalgic flavors wait patiently to reconnect us with cherished moments.

Grandmothers knew how to craft meals that whisper stories of love and tradition.

Humble ingredients become magical when combined with care and intuition.

Warm aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delicious journey into familiar yet forgotten culinary landscapes.

Dive into this recipe and let memories simmer alongside tender chicken and fluffy rice.

How to Store Forgotten Chicken and Rice Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place leftovers in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of soup instead of cream of chicken and mushroom?

Yes, you can substitute with cream of celery or broccoli soup for a different flavor profile.

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

Use garlic powder, dried herbs, or seasoned salt as an alternative to provide similar savory flavor to the dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken and rice casserole reheats well and stays moist, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for multiple meals.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works, but you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time since it takes longer to cook compared to white rice.

Why Forgotten Chicken and Rice Is a Favorite

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Combine all ingredients in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress for busy home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy rice and tender chicken create a hearty meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, comforting flavors.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few pantry staples and basic ingredients, perfect for those wanting a delicious meal without complex shopping lists.
• Versatile Weeknight Winner: Adaptable to different preferences by adding cheese or adjusting seasonings, making it an ideal go-to recipe for families and gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for Forgotten Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the hearty center of this comforting casserole.
• White Rice: Classic grain that absorbs the creamy soup mixture and provides a satisfying base.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich, creamy sauces that create a luxurious and flavorful coating for the chicken and rice.
• Water: Helps blend the soups and cook the rice to perfect tenderness.

• Onion Soup Mix: Provides a savory, robust flavor profile to enhance the entire dish.
• Butter: Used to grease the baking pan and prevent sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Covers the dish during baking to trap moisture and ensure even cooking.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds a delicious, melty finish to the casserole.

How to Make Chicken and Rice the Easy Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C) and get ready for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Canvas

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a generous butter massage to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create the Magic Mixture

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

Stir until the ingredients become best friends and blend smoothly.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Foundation

Pour the creamy rice mixture into the buttered baking dish, creating a luscious base layer.

Gently nestle chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture like little flavor pillows.

Step 5: Sprinkle the Secret Weapon

Evenly dust the onion soup mix over the chicken breasts, giving them a flavor explosion.

Step 6: Transform in the Oven

Cover the entire dish snugly with aluminum foil, sealing in all the delicious potential.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it work its magic for 1 to 1½ hours.

The chicken should be perfectly cooked and the rice tender and dreamy.

Step 7: Optional Cheesy Finale

For extra indulgence, remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Sprinkle a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to settle its flavors.

Scoop directly from the baking dish and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness.

Tips to Make Forgotten Chicken Even Better

• Swap cream of chicken soup with a vegetarian alternative for a meat-free version of the dish.
• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking throughout the entire pan.
• Keep the foil tight during baking to trap moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
• Experiment with different cheese types like pepper jack or monterey jack for unique flavor variations.
• Use low-sodium soup mixes if watching salt intake, as pre-packaged soups can be high in sodium.

Tasty Ways to Adjust Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace cream soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use gluten-free onion soup mix to accommodate celiac needs.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth instead of chicken-based ingredients.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium cream soups, omit onion soup mix, and season with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and black pepper for flavor enhancement.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate oregano, lemon zest, and replace standard rice with quinoa for a protein-rich, herb-infused Mediterranean-style casserole.

What Pairs Well with Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the dish's heavy texture with bright, acidic notes.
• Complement with Fresh Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, zesty contrast against the hearty chicken and rice casserole.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini to add color, nutrition, and a caramelized depth that enhances the main dish's savory profile.
• Match with Sparkling Mineral Water: A cold, effervescent drink cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing the taste buds and preventing flavor fatigue from the creamy casserole.

Forgotten Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Forgotten Chicken and Rice emerges as a comforting classic, blending tender chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. Rustic simplicity meets homestyle cooking, promising a satisfying meal that connects family around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

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

Starches:

• 2 cups instant rice (white or brown)

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) water (use the empty soup can for measurement)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)

Optional Additions:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen vegetables
• Diced chicken

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
2. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter, creating a non-stick surface for easy serving and cleanup.
3. Create a smooth base mixture by whisking cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, water, and rice until thoroughly combined and free of lumps.
4. Transfer the rice and soup blend into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish.
5. Carefully arrange chicken breasts atop the rice mixture, ensuring they are nestled comfortably in the creamy base.
6. Generously distribute onion soup mix over the chicken, guaranteeing balanced seasoning across the entire dish.
7. Shield the pan completely with aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent excessive browning.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1½ hours, monitoring until chicken reaches perfect doneness and rice becomes tender and fluffy.
9. For an optional flavor boost, remove foil during the final 10 minutes and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the surface.
10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Swap soups for dietary needs like using low-sodium or gluten-free cream soups to accommodate different health requirements.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• For extra flavor boost, substitute water with chicken broth or add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before baking to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 242 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 630 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg