Are you looking for an easy and delicious dinner recipe that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours of preparation? Look no further than Amazing Forgotten Chicken! This delectable dish combines tender chicken with flavorful ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that you can prepare in no time.
What is Amazing Forgotten Chicken?
Amazing Forgotten Chicken is a one-pot meal that features chicken thighs or breasts marinated in a delightful blend of herbs and spices, then baked with a variety of vegetables. The dish is called “forgotten” because it requires minimal effort: you can pop it in the oven and let it cook while you go about your day. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Amazing Forgotten Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless, skinless preferred)
- 1 cup of your choice of vegetables (e.g., carrots, bell peppers, onions, or potatoes)
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or basil)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Amazing Forgotten Chicken:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your chicken cooks evenly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Rub the marinade all over the chicken pieces, making sure to coat them thoroughly. For an extra boost of flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows).
- Arrange the Dish: In a large baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken in the center. Surround it with your choice of vegetables. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot with the roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of Amazing Forgotten Chicken lies in its simplicity. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it in the oven and forget about it until dinner is served.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the vegetables or spices to suit your preferences. You can add seasonal veggies or your favorite herbs to make the dish your own.
- Healthy and Nutritious: This recipe is a great way to incorporate lean protein and plenty of vegetables into your diet, making it a wholesome meal option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Amazing Forgotten Chicken is excellent for meal prep. Make a big batch, and enjoy the leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
Serving and Storage Tips for Amazing Forgotten Chicken
To make the most of your Amazing Forgotten Chicken experience, follow these serving and storage tips:
Serving Tips
- Pair with Sides:
- Serve your chicken alongside crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Complement the dish with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Garnish for Presentation:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil, over the chicken just before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing brightness that enhances the dish.
- Portion Control:
- Cut the chicken into serving sizes if desired, making it easier for guests to help themselves.
- If serving at a gathering, consider placing the chicken and vegetables on a large platter for a family-style presentation.
- Temperature Matters:
- Serve the chicken warm for the best flavor and texture. Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Freezing:
- For longer storage, you can freeze the Amazing Forgotten Chicken. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To ensure the best quality, consume within the first month.
- Reheating:
- To reheat refrigerated chicken, place it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If using the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out.
- For frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also reheat it directly from frozen, but it may take longer.
- Use Leftovers Creatively:
- Incorporate leftover chicken into salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick lunch.
- Chop the chicken and mix it with pasta, rice, or grain bowls to create a new meal.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Amazing Forgotten Chicken even after the initial meal, making it a versatile and delicious option for any occasion!
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts in place of thighs. While chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and tender, chicken breasts can work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as breasts may cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. What vegetables work best with Amazing Forgotten Chicken?
You can customize the vegetables based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Popular choices include carrots, bell peppers, onions, potatoes, zucchini, and green beans. Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables for a fresh twist!
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, Amazing Forgotten Chicken can be prepared in advance. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the vegetables the night before, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble everything in the baking dish and bake as directed. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights or meal prep.
4. How do I store leftovers, and how long do they last?
Leftovers should be allowed to cool completely before being transferred to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, ensure the chicken is heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Amazing Forgotten Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Amazing Forgotten Chicken is an effortless, all-in-one casserole featuring tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich sauce. This “set it and forget it” recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a comforting meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4–5 breasts)
- 2 cups Minute rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 can water (use one of the soup cans to measure)
- 1 envelope Lipton onion soup mix
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with the butter.
-
Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, Minute rice, and water. Stir well to combine.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the rice mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture.
-
Add Seasoning:
- Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
-
Bake:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice has absorbed the liquid.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven, let it sit for a few minutes, then serve hot. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Optional Add-Ins: For extra flavor, add frozen peas or carrots to the rice mixture before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Substitutions: Substitute cream of celery soup if preferred, or use brown Minute rice for a heartier texture.