Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pan meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious. This dish gets its name from its simplicity—you can “set it and forget it” while it bakes to perfection. Juicy chicken thighs, tender rice, and a medley of savory seasonings come together in a creamy, flavorful casserole. It’s a family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and the way the flavors meld together during the slow baking process.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken and Rice:
• 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional Garnish:
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a golden finish for the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the dish.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped onion. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. Pour the mixture over the rice in the baking dish, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures crispy skin.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken thighs, coating them evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish. The chicken skin should be facing up.
2. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
2. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the rice is tender.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, add a handful of frozen peas or diced carrots to the rice mixture before baking.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with drumsticks or boneless chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is a timeless recipe that brings warmth and comfort to the table. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and ease of preparation make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Enjoy this hearty meal with your loved ones!