Mama'S Forgotten Chicken
A hearty, comforting baked chicken and rice dish with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, topped with onion soup mix and caramelized onions, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place uncooked white rice in the bottom of a greased shallow baking pan.
- Combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and water. Pour half of this mixture over the rice and let stand a few minutes.
- Arrange chicken pieces on top of the rice and soup mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Rub the chicken pieces with butter.
- Pour the remaining cream soup mixture over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the top.
- Add sliced onion over the mixture if desired.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding garlic powder or fresh herbs like thyme. If you want to cut down on sodium, opt for low-sodium versions of the cream soups and Worcestershire sauce. You can substitute brown rice for white rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, as brown rice takes longer to cook. This recipe is also great with bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Forgotten Chicken with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a heartier side, consider mashed potatoes or roasted carrots. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, and you can browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Forgotten Chicken contains roughly 626 calories, with 12g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (26% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1359mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice typically requires about 2 cups of water for every cup of rice and takes longer to cook, so plan for about 2-2.5 hours in the oven.
Can I use other types of chicken pieces?
Absolutely! Feel free to use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful of the cooking time; bone-in pieces will take longer to cook than boneless ones.
What can I use if I don't have cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with an equal amount of cream of celery soup or make a homemade version using a roux and adding sautéed mushrooms. Alternatively, you could use a homemade creamy sauce to achieve a similar consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).