Every time I make Forgotten Chicken, it reminds me of Sunday dinners with family. The smell alone brings back memories of gathering around the table with laughter and love. There’s something truly magical about pulling a dish out of the oven that’s been bubbling away, filling the house with comforting aromas that make you feel at home. I remember the excitement in my kids’ eyes when they could smell that delicious savory chicken, and I’ll never forget my husband’s satisfied sigh after the first bite. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, and I know once you try it, you’ll feel that warmth and comfort too!
How to Make Forgotten Chicken
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this lovely dish. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating that rich, comforting flavor. Don’t worry; nothing is too complicated here!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs or breasts | 4 pieces |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
| Onion soup mix | 1 packet |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Optional: Vegetables (e.g., carrots, potatoes) | As desired |
Personal note: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme – it makes the chicken smell and taste amazing! It’s like bringing a little bit of my garden right into my kitchen.
Cooking Steps
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Preheat the Oven: First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this is key for that perfect juicy chicken!
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Mixing the Soup: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water. Stir it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This hearty sauce is what makes this chicken so scrumptious!
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Preparing the Chicken: Grab a baking dish and place your chicken in there. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to really bring those flavors to life. I usually go a bit heavy on the pepper because we like a little extra kick!
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Pouring the Sauce: Now, here comes the fun part! Pour that creamy soup mixture right over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well-coated; that’s where the magic happens!
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Adding Vegetables: If you’re using vegetables, now’s the time to toss in some carrots or potatoes around the chicken. They cook beautifully in the same sauce, soaking up all those lovely flavors.
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Covering it Up: Cover your baking dish with foil. This helps to keep all that moisture in, making the chicken tender and juicy. I can’t stress enough how important this step is!
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Bake Time: Pop that dish in the oven and let it bake for about an hour. This is where the smell starts to fill your home – it’s absolutely heavenly!
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Uncovering for Crispiness: After an hour, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes. This step is important for achieving that lovely golden top that makes the chicken look so inviting.
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Check for Doneness: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked through. A meat thermometer should read 165°F in the thickest part, but honestly, I can tell by the way it looks and smells too!
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Let It Rest: Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps all those juices settle in, making every bite incredibly flavorful!
Why I Love Making This Dish
Forgotten Chicken has become one of my family’s favorite dishes, and for good reason! It’s so easy to throw together, which makes it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. The simple ingredients blend together perfectly, creating a delicious comfort food that warms the heart. I love how versatile this recipe is—the base remains the same, but you can easily switch it up with different vegetables or even add a splash of wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
What You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here! You’ll just need a good baking dish and some aluminum foil. No complex kitchen gadgets are necessary, which is great for someone like me who loves keeping things simple. I recommend using a sturdy dish that can withstand the heat and keep everything flavorful.
Step-by-Step Guide
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F. This is key for that crispy skin!
- In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, onion soup mix, and water until smooth.
- Season your chicken well with salt and pepper.
- Pour the delicious soup mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- If you’re adding veggies, now’s the time to throw them in around the chicken.
- Cover your dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about an hour.
- After an hour, remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Check to make sure the chicken is cooked through (165°F is the magic number!).
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let those juicy flavors meld together.
Tips for Perfect Results
Here’s where I like to share some of my tried-and-true secrets! For an extra crispy skin, switch your oven to broil for the last few minutes of baking after removing the foil. Just keep an eye on it; you don’t want it to burn!
Also, I’ve found that letting the chicken rest before serving makes a huge difference; it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. And don’t forget to always taste and adjust your seasonings; everyone’s palate is different!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
I love serving Forgotten Chicken with a side of mashed potatoes—they soak up that delicious sauce perfectly! Some buttery corn or green beans are also wonderful options for a balanced meal. And let’s not forget a warm slice of bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce!
Leftovers
Let’s be real; sometimes, you’ll have leftovers, and that’s okay! After enjoying it for dinner, store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or you can use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. I’ve even enjoyed it cold, on a rainy day, over a salad!
FAQ Section
Can I use boneless chicken? You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken instead! It works beautifully, too!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to cook.
Conclusion
This Forgotten Chicken dish has become a staple in my home, and I’m so excited for you to try it! It’s got all the comfort of a home-cooked meal with none of the hassle, making it perfect for busy nights or cozy weekends. I promise you’ll love it as much as I do, and I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you. Remember to let me know if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time! Happy cooking!