Forgotten Chicken

Forgotten Chicken is a delightful and convenient dish known for its simplicity and rich flavor. It’s a classic recipe where chicken is slow-cooked with minimal effort, resulting in a tender, flavorful meal that requires very little active cooking time. This dish is ideal for those busy days when you need a hearty dinner with minimal fuss. The name "Forgotten Chicken" comes from the fact that once you place it in the oven, you can forget about it until it's time to eat.

The slow-cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors from the seasonings and sauces, creating a meal that is both savory and satisfying.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• Chicken Pieces (4-6 pieces): Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best flavor. You can also use a whole chicken cut into parts.
• Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz or 295 g): Provides a creamy base for the sauce. You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
• French Onion Soup Mix (1 packet, 1 oz or 28 g): Adds a rich, savory flavor. If you prefer a lower sodium option, use a reduced-sodium version.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon or 2 g): Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon or 2 g): Adds a touch of color and a hint of smokiness.
• Salt (to taste, about 1 teaspoon or 5 g): Enhances the flavors of the dish.
• Black Pepper (to taste, about ½ teaspoon or 1 g): Adds a hint of spice.
• Water (½ cup or 120 ml): To thin out the sauce and help it spread throughout the dish.

Equipment

• Baking Dish: A 9x13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowl: For combining the soup mix and seasonings.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For mixing the ingredients.

How to Make

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the chicken will cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut it into parts. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a crispy texture on the outside.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, packet of French onion soup mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add Water: Stir in ½ cup of water to thin out the mixture. This helps create a sauce that will coat the chicken evenly.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. Place Chicken in Baking Dish: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it out if needed.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
2. Uncover and Continue Baking: After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Check for Doneness: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be tender and easily pull away from the bone.
2. Serve: Serve the Forgotten Chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving

• Serve Hot: Forgotten Chicken is best enjoyed hot. Serve it directly from the baking dish to retain its warmth and flavor.
• Pairings: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, including rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover Forgotten Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Covering Step: Covering the dish with foil during the initial baking time helps to keep the chicken moist. Avoid skipping this step to ensure tender results.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Overcooking can cause the chicken to become dry. Check for doneness after the initial baking time and adjust as needed.
• Not Using Enough Sauce: Ensure that there is enough sauce to coat the chicken. The sauce helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful during baking.

Tips and Tricks

• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or herbs based on your preference. Adding a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor.
• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with a little water to the soup mixture before pouring it over the chicken.
• Adding Vegetables: For a complete meal, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or green beans to the baking dish. Place them around the chicken and coat them with the sauce.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the chicken and sauce, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Bake as directed when you’re ready to cook.

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless chicken will cook faster than bone-in pieces.

Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer, you can substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or even a homemade white sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that the French onion soup mix is gluten-free or make a homemade version.

Conclusion

Forgotten Chicken is a classic and convenient recipe that combines simplicity with rich flavor. Its ease of preparation and minimal active cooking time make it an ideal choice for busy days or when you want a comforting meal with little effort. By following this detailed guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious, tender chicken dish that your family will love. Enjoy the ease of preparing a meal that can be "forgotten" in the oven, only to be enjoyed later with delightful results.

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