Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight wonder: forgotten chicken and rice! This dish is a lifesaver when I’m juggling a million things. Seriously, all you have to do is toss everything into a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic while you focus on more important stuff (like maybe prepping dessert!). The flavors are so hearty and comforting, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, my family adores it! It’s been a staple at our dinner table for years, and I love knowing that I can whip it up with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients for Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this delightful dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in for extra flavor
- 1 cup rice, uncooked (I love using long-grain rice for the perfect texture)
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought will work just fine)
- 1 onion, chopped into small pieces for a sweet flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon paprika, to add a nice touch of warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
- 1 cup frozen peas, no need to thaw—just toss them in!
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal in no time!
How to Prepare Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Alright, let’s get cooking! The beauty of forgotten chicken and rice lies in its simplicity, so follow these easy steps and you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time:
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, your dish will be ready to bake as soon as you assemble it.
- In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Make sure it’s nice and level so it cooks evenly.
- Now, pour the chicken broth over the rice. This is where the magic starts—trust me, the rice will soak up all that delicious flavor!
- Next, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Give it a little stir to mix everything together. You’re creating a flavor base that’ll make your taste buds dance!
- Place the chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture. Make sure they’re nestled in there nicely. This is where all that juicy goodness comes from!
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps all the moisture in while it bakes—no one wants dry chicken!
- Now, pop it in the oven and set a timer for 1 hour. You can kick back and relax while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas.
- After an hour, carefully remove the foil (watch out for that steam!). Add the frozen peas on top. They’ll cook perfectly in the last few minutes.
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This will give the peas just enough time to heat through and add a pop of color!
Once the timer goes off, your forgotten chicken and rice will be ready to serve! Let it sit for about 5 minutes before digging in—this helps everything settle and makes serving easier. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation: Seriously, you just mix everything in one dish and let the oven do the work. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal cleanup: With just one baking dish to wash, you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
- Hearty and filling dish: This meal is packed with protein and carbs, making it perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs after a long day.
- Great for meal prep: I love making a big batch to have leftovers for lunch the next day. It reheats beautifully!
Tips for Success
To make your forgotten chicken and rice even more delicious, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Use bone-in chicken: Trust me on this one! Bone-in thighs add so much more flavor and juiciness to the dish. If you can, avoid boneless pieces.
- Let it sit: After removing it from the oven, give the dish about 5 minutes to rest. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes serving easier.
- Adjust the spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings! If you love a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. It’s all about what you enjoy!
- Mix in fresh herbs: If you have them on hand, sprinkle some chopped parsley or thyme on top just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
- Use homemade broth: If you’ve got time, using homemade chicken broth elevates the entire dish. It’s richer and gives a deeper flavor that you can’t beat.
With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to perfecting this comforting dish every time you make it!
Variations of Forgotten Chicken and Rice
If you’re like me and love to switch things up in the kitchen, you’ll be thrilled to know that forgotten chicken and rice is super versatile! Here are some fun variations to keep things exciting:
- Veggie-packed: Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables! Carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli work great. Just chop them up and add them in with the onion and garlic.
- Herb-infused: Fresh herbs can really change the flavor profile! Try adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Swap the protein: Not in the mood for chicken? You can easily swap in pork chops, turkey thighs, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time if needed!
- Creamy twist: For a creamier consistency, mix in a can of cream of mushroom soup or some sour cream before baking. It adds a delicious richness!
- Spicy kick: If you like things hot, throw in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the broth. Your taste buds will thank you!
These variations make it easy to tailor the dish to your tastes or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Forgotten chicken and rice stores beautifully, making it an excellent dish for meal prep or just a cozy next-day lunch. Here’s how to store and reheat your delicious creation:
- Storing leftovers: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps your chicken and rice tasting fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheating: To reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, but be careful not to dry it out!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your forgotten chicken and rice long after it’s been made—without losing any of that comforting flavor!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to delicious comfort food, it’s always nice to know what you’re getting, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of forgotten chicken and rice, based on the ingredients used:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. But hey, with all that hearty goodness, you’re fueling your body with some great protein and comfort! Enjoy every delicious bite without any guilt!
FAQ about Forgotten Chicken and Rice
Got questions about forgotten chicken and rice? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I’ve encountered along with my trusty tips:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the baking time. I recommend pre-cooking the brown rice for about 15 minutes before adding it to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble everything in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What if I don’t have chicken thighs?
No problem! You can use chicken breasts or even drumsticks. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on it!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. Carrots, green beans, or even corn make great additions. Just chop them up and throw them in with the other ingredients before baking.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the chicken!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try this forgotten chicken and rice recipe as I am to share it! If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Did you try any of the variations? How did your family enjoy it? Also, if you found this recipe helpful, please give it a rating! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others find this delicious dish. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen together! Happy cooking!
Print
Forgotten Chicken and Rice: 7 Comforting Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and hearty dish made with chicken and rice that cooks itself in the oven.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, spread the rice evenly.
- Pour the chicken broth over the rice.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and add the frozen peas.
- Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- This dish can be made in advance and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: forgotten chicken and rice, easy chicken recipe, one pot chicken meal
