Oh, this dish! If you’re looking for a meal that just hugs you from the inside out, you’ve found it. The Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is one of those recipes I pull out when life feels a little too hectic, or honestly, when I just need a major comfort food fix. It sounds almost too simple, right? But trust me, this one-dish wonder is pure magic. I remember my mom making this for us after soccer practice, and the smell alone was enough to make everyone forget about their homework. It’s just that kind of soul-soothing goodness.
Why You'll Love This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Seriously, this recipe is a lifesaver! It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a kitchen superstar without actually, you know, *doing* a ton of work. It’s perfect for those nights when the fridge looks a bit bare or you just don’t have the energy for a complicated meal. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser – even the pickiest eaters usually gobble this up!
- Effortless One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together in one pan, which means minimal fuss and even better, minimal cleanup. Just one dish to wash? Yes, please!
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy, savory sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice just meld together into pure comfort food bliss. It’s hearty and satisfying.
- Quick Preparation Time: With only about 15 minutes of prep, you can have this in the oven and be on your way to a delicious dinner in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Gathering Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake Ingredients
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready for this amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake! You don’t need anything super fancy, which is part of why I love it so much. Here’s what you’ll want to grab:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I like to cut these into nice, bite-sized pieces. Thighs stay super juicy, but chicken breasts work too if that’s what you have!
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice: Just your standard white rice is perfect here. No need for anything fancy, just make sure it’s uncooked!
- 2 cups chicken broth: This is the liquid gold that makes everything cook up perfectly.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the secret to that wonderfully creamy sauce. You could use cream of mushroom if you’re not a chicken soup fan, but cream of chicken is my go-to.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion: I usually just grab a yellow onion and give it a rough chop.
- 1/4 cup chopped celery: Adds a little bit of savory depth.
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color): I often use green bell pepper because it’s usually the cheapest, but red or yellow add a nice sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons butter: This just gets dotted on top to add a little richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season that chicken!
Simple Steps for an Amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Okay, getting this delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake into the oven is honestly the easiest part! It’s foolproof, I promise. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a dinner winner on your hands.
Preparing the Baking Dish
First things first, grab your baking dish – a standard 9×13 inch one is perfect. You want to give it a little grease with some butter or cooking spray. This little step is super important because it stops everything from sticking to the bottom and sides. Nobody wants to scrape burnt rice off their good casserole dish, right?
Combining the Base Ingredients
Now for the magic base! In that greased baking dish, dump in your uncooked rice. Then, pour in the chicken broth and the can of cream of chicken soup. Next, add your chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Give it all a really good stir. You want everything to be nicely combined and the rice to be well-coated in that creamy soup and broth mixture. It’s going to smell pretty good already!
Adding the Chicken
Pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice little sear, even though we’re baking them. Sprinkle them with a good pinch of salt and some pepper. Then, just arrange the seasoned chicken pieces evenly all over the top of the rice mixture. Try to spread them out so they all get a chance to cook evenly.
The Finishing Touches
Here’s a little something extra that makes a difference: dot those 2 tablespoons of butter all over the top of the chicken and rice. It just adds a touch more richness and helps everything bake up beautifully. Once that’s done, grab your aluminum foil and cover the dish tightly. Make sure it’s sealed well so no steam escapes – that’s what’s going to cook that rice perfectly!
Baking to Perfection
Pop that foil-covered dish into your preheated oven, which should be at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll want to check it around the 45-minute mark. The rice should be tender, and the chicken should be cooked all the way through. You can test the chicken by carefully taking out a piece and cutting into it, or just make sure there’s no pink left. For more on safe chicken temperatures, check out USDA guidelines.
Achieving a Crispy Top
If you like a little bit of a crispier texture on top, here’s a little trick! For the last 10 minutes of baking, carefully remove the aluminum foil. This lets the top get a little golden and a tad crunchy. It’s totally optional, but I think it adds a nice contrast to the creamy rice.
Letting It Rest
Once it’s done and looks (and smells!) amazing, take it out of the oven. Now, this part is tough because you’ll want to dive right in, but let it stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This short rest helps everything settle and makes it easier to serve. Plus, it gives you a moment to admire your handiwork!
Tips for a Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Making this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is pretty straightforward, but a few little things can really make it shine. I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that I think you’ll find super helpful!
- Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: While I absolutely adore chicken thighs for their juiciness in this bake, I know some folks prefer chicken breasts. If you use breasts, just make sure they’re cut into similar bite-sized pieces. They might cook a tad faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying out.
- Adding More Vegetables: This recipe is super forgiving when it comes to veggies! Feel free to toss in about a cup of frozen peas or diced carrots along with the other veggies. They add a lovely pop of color and extra nutrition without changing the cooking time much.
- Achieving Creamier Texture: Want it even creamier? Oh, I get it! For an extra decadent and smooth finish, stir in about 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt right at the end, after it comes out of the oven, before serving. It adds a lovely tang and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Got questions about this simple yet amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes people always ask about because it’s just so darn easy and tasty.
Q1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I love how juicy chicken thighs stay in this bake, chicken breasts work perfectly fine too. Just make sure to cut them into similar bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the rice. Keep an eye on them, as breasts can sometimes dry out a bit faster than thighs.
Q2. What other vegetables can I add to this chicken and rice bake?
This is such a flexible recipe! Feel free to add about a cup of frozen peas or some diced carrots right in with the other veggies. They cook up beautifully and add a nice touch of color and extra goodness. Corn or chopped broccoli florets would also be delicious additions!
Q3. How can I make this chicken and rice casserole even creamier?
If you’re a fan of extra creamy goodness, you’re in luck! After the bake is done and you’ve taken it out of the oven, stir in about 1/4 cup of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. It adds a wonderful tang and makes the whole dish even richer and silkier. Just stir it in gently before serving.
Q4. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can certainly prep the ingredients ahead of time! Chop your veggies and cut your chicken, then store them separately in the fridge. You can even combine the rice, soup, broth, and veggies in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just add the chicken and butter right before baking, and you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
Serving Suggestions for Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is practically a meal in itself, but it plays so nicely with a few simple sides. To round out your dinner, I love serving it with a light, crisp green salad. A simple vinaigrette is perfect! Or, if you want something warm, some steamed broccoli or green beans are fantastic. They add a nice fresh element that balances the richness of the bake beautifully. It’s all about keeping it easy and letting that delicious chicken and rice shine!
Storing and Reheating Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is just as delicious (if not more so!) the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, pop any extra into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can either pop a portion back into a microwave-safe dish for a minute or two until it’s heated through, or for an even better texture, warm it up gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until it’s nice and hot. Sometimes I add a tiny splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to bring back some of that moisture!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Now, let’s talk about the good stuff – what’s in this delicious Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake nutritionally. Keep in mind that these numbers are always estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use or if you add any extra goodies. But, this should give you a good idea of what you’re working with for a standard serving!
- Serving Size: About 1/6th of the bake
- Calories: Around 450
- Fat: Roughly 20g
- Saturated Fat: About 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40g
- Protein: A solid 30g
- Sodium: Typically around 700mg
- Fiber: Around 2g
It’s a pretty hearty and satisfying meal, offering a good balance of protein and carbs, which is why it’s such a great go-to for a filling dinner! For more on balanced nutrition, you can explore resources like MyPlate.
Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake: 1 Cozy Meal
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy one-dish chicken and rice bake.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Stir well.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the chicken pieces evenly over the rice mixture.
- Dot the top with butter.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if you want a slightly crispier top.
- Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken and rice, casserole, one-dish meal, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken