Forgotten Chicken

This Forgotten Chicken Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that is incredibly simple to prepare yet yields deliciously satisfying results. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a hearty and flavorful meal that the whole family will love. Tender chicken breasts are nestled on a bed of creamy rice, flavored with savory cream of chicken and celery soups, and seasoned with onion soup mix for a burst of flavor in every bite. The best part? Once it’s in the oven, you can forget about it until it’s ready to be enjoyed, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

Forgotten Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups minute rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cream of celery soup
• 1 can water
• 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs)
• 1 envelope onion soup mix
• Butter, for greasing dish

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. Set it aside while you prepare the ingredients.
2. Mix Rice and Soup: In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup, one can’s worth of water, and minute rice. Stir until well combined.
3. Layer Ingredients: Transfer the rice mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
4. Season: Sprinkle the envelope of onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts, distributing it across the surface.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to seal in the moisture and flavor. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 90 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has been absorbed into the rice.
6. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions, if desired, and enjoy!

Tips:

• Variations: Feel free to customize this casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as peas, carrots, or green beans to the rice mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
• Moisture Level: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can add an additional can of water or chicken broth to the rice mixture before baking.
• Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until heated through.