Forgotten Chicken

Baking the Chicken

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps the chicken remain moist while it cooks and prevents the rice from drying out. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The slow cooking time allows the rice to absorb all the flavors from the soup and chicken, resulting in a wonderfully tender meal.
2. After 1 hour, remove the foil and check that the chicken is fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C), and the rice should be soft and fully cooked. If the rice needs a bit more time, you can cover the dish again and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. If the chicken is done, but the rice looks too watery, you can bake it uncovered for a few more minutes to allow the liquid to evaporate and the rice to set.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Forgotten Chicken with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
• If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle the top of the chicken with some crispy fried onions or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme just before serving.
• This dish also pairs well with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce.

Notes

• If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor. You can also use a lower-fat version of the soup for a lighter meal.
• Feel free to add some vegetables to the rice mixture, such as frozen peas or carrots, to add some color and nutrition to the dish.
• This recipe is perfect for meal prep—simply store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a low oven until warmed through.