Forgotten Chicken: Recipes, Tips, and Safety Guide

Forgotten Chicken: the name alone conjures images of culinary mishaps, but trust me, this recipe is anything but! Imagine sinking your teeth into incredibly tender, juicy chicken, practically falling off the bone, infused with savory herbs and a subtle, comforting flavor. That’s the magic of Forgotten Chicken, and I’m thrilled to share this simple yet sensational dish with you.

While the exact origins of Forgotten Chicken are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its appeal is timeless. Some say it originated as a resourceful way to use up leftover chicken, while others believe it was a happy accident born from a busy cook’s oversight. Regardless of its history, this method of slow-cooking chicken has been passed down through generations, becoming a beloved family favorite in many households.

So, why do people adore Forgotten Chicken? It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal! The low and slow cooking process transforms ordinary chicken into a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece. The extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the minimal effort required makes it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. Get ready to experience chicken like never before!

Ingredients:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1 packet (1 ounce) dry onion soup mix
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, for serving
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even cooking and ensuring the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts. You can leave them whole, or if they are particularly thick, you can slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Thinner cutlets will cook faster and more evenly. If you choose to slice them, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This helps tenderize the chicken and ensures consistent cooking.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, dry onion soup mix, milk, dry sherry (if using), garlic powder, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps. The sherry adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you prefer.
4. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier. You can use cooking spray or a small amount of butter or oil.
5. Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly.
6. Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is well coated. Use a spatula to spread the sauce if necessary.
7. Sprinkle the paprika evenly over the top of the sauce. This adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky flavor.

Baking the Forgotten Chicken:

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is important because it traps the moisture and prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours. Yes, you read that right, 2 hours! This long, slow baking time is what makes this chicken so incredibly tender and flavorful. Don’t be tempted to shorten the baking time, as the chicken needs this time to fully cook and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
3. After 2 hours, carefully remove the aluminum foil.
4. Continue baking, uncovered, for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly and lightly browned. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken breast.
5. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

1. Serve the Forgotten Chicken hot over cooked rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. The creamy sauce is absolutely delicious spooned over these starches.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
3. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a complete and balanced meal. A simple side salad also pairs well with this dish.

Tips and Variations:

• Don’t skip the long baking time! This is what makes the chicken so tender and flavorful.
• Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the final dish will taste.
• Add vegetables to the baking dish. You can add sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the baking dish along with the chicken for a more complete meal.
• Substitute the cream of mushroom soup. If you don’t like cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or cream of broccoli soup.
• Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
• Make it ahead of time. You can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze it for later. Leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For a richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The thighs will take a bit longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Add a layer of cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy and delicious dish. Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese would all work well.
• If you want a thicker sauce, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• Consider adding some fresh herbs to the sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. These herbs will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish.
• For a healthier version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup.
• If you don’t have dry sherry, you can substitute it with chicken broth or white wine.

Troubleshooting:

• Chicken is dry: Make sure you are covering the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil during the first 2 hours of baking. This will help to trap the moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Also, be sure not to overbake the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Sauce is too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of baking. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken from the baking dish and simmer the sauce on the stovetop until it thickens to your desired consistency.
• Sauce is too thick: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Chicken is not cooked through: If the chicken is not cooked through after the recommended baking time, continue baking it for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Chicken is sticking to the baking dish: Make sure you are greasing the baking dish well before adding the chicken. You can use cooking spray or a small amount of butter or oil.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

• Calories: 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 40-50 grams
• Fat: 25-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams

This Forgotten Chicken recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! Forgotten Chicken, a dish that’s ridiculously easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and practically begs to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple, satisfying, and hands-off meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours in the kitchen, but still crave something delicious and home-cooked. Why is this Forgotten Chicken a game-changer? Because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The combination of the creamy soup, savory herbs, and tender chicken creates a symphony of tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the “forgotten” aspect means you can literally set it and forget it, freeing you up to tackle other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself. It’s a win-win! But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Over Rice or Noodles: Serve the Forgotten Chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or egg noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. This is my personal favorite way to enjoy it! * With Roasted Vegetables: Roast some broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts alongside the chicken for a complete and balanced meal. The roasted vegetables add a lovely textural contrast and a boost of nutrients. * In a Casserole: For a heartier dish, transfer the cooked chicken and sauce to a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs or shredded cheese, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. * Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup mixture for a little kick. * Creamier Version: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy and decadent sauce. * Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor profile. * Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms to the baking dish for an earthy and savory twist. I encourage you to get creative and make this Forgotten Chicken recipe your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find your perfect combination. The possibilities are endless! I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights. So, go ahead, give it a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did your family think? Share your thoughts, photos, and tips in the comments below. Let’s create a community of Forgotten Chicken enthusiasts and inspire each other with our culinary creations! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how much you love this Forgotten Chicken recipe! Print