You know those nights? The ones where you’re just beat, the fridge looks a little sad, and the thought of a complicated meal makes you want to just order pizza? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake. It’s like a warm hug in a dish, seriously. I remember the first time I made it; I was so tired but needed something hearty for the family. Within an hour, we had this amazing, creamy, cheesy casserole that just hit all the right spots. It’s one of those recipes that’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever forgot about it!
Why You’ll Love This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Honestly, this dish is a lifesaver! Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:
- Super Quick Prep: Seriously, you just toss everything into one bowl. Fifteen minutes, tops!
- Minimal Cleanup: We’re talking one bowl and the baking dish. My sink thanks me every time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a flavor bomb that even picky eaters gobble up. Cheesy, creamy, and so satisfying.
- Pure Comfort: It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need something cozy.
- Family-Friendly: It’s hearty enough for everyone at the table and so incredibly easy to whip up after a long day.
It really doesn’t get much easier or more delicious than this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake!
Ingredients for Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Okay, so for this magical Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake, you don’t need a ton of fancy stuff. It’s all about simple, pantry-staple goodness! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (long grain works great!)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium is fine if you prefer)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup (this is the magic binder!)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion (fresh is best, but frozen works too!)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
See? Totally doable! It’s amazing how these simple things come together to make something so comforting.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
A few little notes on these ingredients to make your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake even better! That cream of mushroom soup is key for creaminess, but if mushrooms aren’t your jam, a can of cream of chicken soup works like a charm. I’ve even tossed in some frozen peas or diced carrots with the onions before, and they add a lovely bit of color and extra flavor. If you want to make it even richer, a dollop of sour cream stirred in with the soup mixture before baking is divine. It just adds another layer of deliciousness that my family absolutely devours!
How to Prepare Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Alright, let’s get this amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake into the oven! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes for such a comforting meal. We’re talking minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and a dish that pretty much cooks itself.
Step 1: Preheating and Mixing the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
First things first, get that oven fired up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, grab a big ol’ mixing bowl. Into that bowl goes your chicken pieces, the uncooked rice, the chicken broth, that creamy condensed soup (don’t drain it!), and your chopped onion. Give it all a good stir until everything is nicely combined. Make sure that rice is getting coated in all that yummy soup and broth!
Step 2: Assembling and Baking the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Now, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick grease so nothing sticks – a little spray or butter works perfectly. Pour that glorious mixture from your bowl into the prepared dish. Spread it out evenly. Season it with salt and pepper – just go by your taste, really! Cover the whole thing tightly with foil. This is super important because it helps the rice cook through and keeps everything moist. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes.
Step 3: Finishing and Serving the Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
After that first 45 minutes, carefully take the dish out of the oven – remember, it’s hot! Remove the foil. Now for the best part: sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. It’s going to get all melty and bubbly, trust me! Put it back into the oven, *uncovered* this time, for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and irresistible. Once it’s out, let it sit for about 5 minutes. This little rest makes it easier to serve and lets all those flavors meld together perfectly.
Tips for a Perfect Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Getting this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake just right is really about a few simple things. Make sure your chicken pieces are all pretty similar in size so they cook evenly. When you check it after the first 45 minutes, the rice should be tender and most of the liquid should be absorbed. If it looks a bit dry, you can always add a splash more broth before adding the cheese. My biggest tip? Don’t over-bake it after you add the cheese! You just want it melty and bubbly, not crispy around the edges. I once forgot about it for an extra 10 minutes, and while it was still tasty, the cheese got a little too browned for my liking. That short 5-minute rest before serving makes a huge difference, letting everything settle into a creamy, delicious harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions about Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Got questions about this amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for how quickly they cook, you could totally use thighs. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like you would the breasts. If you use bone-in chicken, it’ll take longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the baking time. Stick to boneless for this easy bake!
Q: What can I serve with Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake?
This dish is pretty much a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is fantastic. Steamed broccoli or green beans also add a nice fresh crunch that balances the creamy rice. Honestly, though, it’s so hearty, you might not even need sides!
Q: How long does Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake last?
Leftovers are the best! Store any extra Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. It reheats really well in the microwave or even in a low oven.
Serving Suggestions for Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
This Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling like adding a little something extra, I’ve got you covered! A simple, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a fantastic choice. It adds a nice freshness that cuts through the richness. Or, you could go with some lightly steamed green beans or broccoli. They add a lovely pop of color and a bit of crunch that complements the creamy casserole perfectly!
Storing and Reheating Your Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake
Got leftovers of this amazing Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake? Lucky you! Just let it cool down a bit, then pop it into an airtight container and into the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can zap it in the microwave until it’s heated through, or for an even better texture, cover it loosely with foil and pop it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until it’s nice and warm all the way through.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little note about the nutrition info for this Forgotten Chicken and Rice Bake! The numbers I’ve shared are estimates, you know? They can change a bit depending on the exact brands you use, how much salt you add, or even the size of your chicken pieces. It’s always a good idea to think of these as a general guide rather than exact science!
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Forgotten Chicken & Rice Bake: 1 Hour Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy chicken and rice casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, and onion.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and sprinkle cheese over the top.
- Bake for another 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup.
- Add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, add 1/4 cup sour cream to the mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, casserole, bake, comfort food, easy dinner