Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe

Sometimes, the best recipes are the ones that are practically effortless—like this Forgotten Chicken and Rice. This dish is a true comfort food classic, where everything comes together in one pan with minimal fuss. All you have to do is toss everything into a baking dish, set it in the oven, and let the magic happen. The chicken turns perfectly juicy, the rice gets infused with savory flavors, and all of it combines into a warm, hearty, and satisfying meal.

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity, but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed with flavor and has a real “wow” factor when you dig in. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again.

Why You’ll Love Forgotten Chicken and Rice

• Easy & Hands-Off: This is a true “set it and forget it” dish. Just prep it, pop it in the oven, and let it cook while you do other things.
• Hearty & Flavorful: The chicken, rice, and seasonings meld together beautifully, creating a rich, comforting meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: One dish, one pan—less mess, more enjoyment!
• Family-Friendly: It’s the kind of meal everyone at the table will love. Even picky eaters will dig in!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this simple, yet satisfying dish:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs work best because they stay juicy and tender during the long cooking time.
• Long Grain White Rice: This is the perfect rice for absorbing all the savory flavors as it cooks.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base to the dish.
• Garlic: Because, let’s be real, garlic makes everything better.
• Chicken Broth: The liquid that brings it all together, infusing the rice with a rich, flavorful taste.
• Butter: For richness and flavor, plus it helps keep the chicken skin nice and crispy.
• Salt & Pepper: To season everything perfectly.

For the Seasoning:

• Paprika: For a mild smokiness and a touch of color.
• Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds depth and warmth.
• Garlic Powder: A little extra garlic flavor never hurt anyone!
• Onion Powder: To bring out that savory, sweet onion flavor without chopping too many onions.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through this easy recipe—get ready for some delicious simplicity!

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that everything cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden finish.

2. Season the Chicken:

In a small bowl, mix together your paprika, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, and then rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken. You want to make sure every piece is coated with that flavorful spice mix.

3. Prepare the Rice Base:

In a large baking dish, spread out the rice evenly. Sprinkle the onion and garlic over the rice, and add the chicken broth. Give it a quick stir to combine everything. The rice will absorb all that broth as it cooks, turning into a flavorful, tender base.

4. Add the Chicken:

Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up. You want the skin exposed so it gets crispy as it bakes. Dot a few small pieces of butter on top of the chicken thighs to add extra richness.

5. Bake and Forget:

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Let it bake for 45-50 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to let the chicken get crispy on top and the rice finish cooking.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken and rice as-is, or garnish with fresh herbs if you like. Enjoy that crispy skin, tender chicken, and flavorful rice that practically cooks itself!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving: 1 chicken thigh with rice)

• Calories per serving: 400
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 550mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 27g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

How to Serve Forgotten Chicken and Rice

This dish is a full meal in itself, but here are a few ideas for sides that would complement it perfectly:

• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or carrots are easy to prepare and make for a healthy side.
• Crisp Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance out the richness of the chicken and rice.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the flavorful juices left on your plate.
• Mashed Potatoes: If you want to go all out, serve with mashed potatoes on the side for extra comfort!

Additional Tips

• Chicken Choices: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but keep in mind that breasts can dry out more easily, so you might want to adjust the cooking time slightly.
• Frozen Chicken: Yes, you can make this with frozen chicken! Just add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Flavor Boost: Add a handful of shredded cheese on top of the rice and chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist!
• Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A1: Yes, but chicken breasts tend to dry out faster, so you might need to reduce the cooking time a bit to keep them juicy.

Q2: Can I make this recipe with brown rice?
A2: Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you would need to increase the baking time by about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to check that the rice is tender before serving.

Q3: Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
A3: Yes! Vegetable broth is a great alternative and will still give the rice a flavorful base.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the dish?
A5: Absolutely! You can toss in some carrots, peas, or mushrooms with the rice before baking for extra flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A6: Yes! You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.

Q7: Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
A7: Yes, boneless chicken will work, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since boneless cuts cook faster.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the chicken seasoning for a kick of heat.

Q9: Can I freeze this dish?
A9: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just cool it completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Definitely! Just make sure you have a large enough baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken and Rice is the epitome of easy comfort food that practically cooks itself. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen. So pop it in the oven, let the flavors meld, and sit back while this incredible dish comes together. Enjoy!

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