Are you looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that requires minimal effort? Look no further than this forgotten chicken recipe! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a mouthwatering chicken dish that will impress your family and friends.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the forgotten chicken recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cooking tips, nutritional information, storage advice, and variations. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What is the Forgotten Chicken Recipe?
The forgotten chicken recipe is a slow-cooked dish that combines chicken with a variety of flavorful ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; you can set it and forget it, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Flavorful and Tender: The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender and infused with flavor.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is great for making ahead of time and can be easily scaled up or down.
Ingredients for the Forgotten Chicken Recipe
To make this delicious forgotten chicken recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680 grams)
- 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 grams) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 packet (1 oz or 28 grams) ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup (150 grams) frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your forgotten chicken recipe:
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
- Place the Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
- Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth. Stir until well blended.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
- Pour Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
- Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the frozen mixed vegetables on top of the chicken and sauce. Do not stir; just let them sit on top.
Step 6: Season
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Step 7: Cook
- Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 8: Serve
- Shred and Serve: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the sauce and vegetables. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Use Thighs for More Flavor: If you prefer dark meat, substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage Advice
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Variations of the Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- Creamy Garlic Chicken: Add minced garlic and a splash of white wine to the sauce for a garlicky twist.
- BBQ Chicken: Substitute the cream of mushroom soup with your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version of this recipe.
Complementary Dishes and Beverage Pairings
- Side Dishes: Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh garden salad.
- Beverage Pairings: Pair with a light white wine, iced tea, or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
FAQ: Forgotten Chicken Recipe
1. What is a forgotten chicken recipe?
The forgotten chicken recipe is a simple, slow-cooked dish that combines chicken with a creamy sauce and vegetables. It’s designed to be easy to prepare—just toss the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it cook for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
3. What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Cream of celery soup
- A homemade white sauce (made with butter, flour, and milk)
- A dairy-free alternative, such as coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce
4. How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make the forgotten chicken recipe healthier, consider the following tips:
- Use skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture.
- Add more vegetables, such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value.
- Use low-sodium broth and soup to reduce sodium content.
- Serve with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
5. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot! Here’s how:
- Use the sauté function to brown the chicken (optional).
- Add the sauce and vegetables, then seal the lid.
- Cook on high pressure for about 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural release for 10 minutes before quick-releasing any remaining pressure.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover forgotten chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
7. What can I serve with forgotten chicken?
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply add everything to the slow cooker and set it to cook. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
9. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or a large pot on the stovetop. Cook on low heat, covered, for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
10. Can I add spices or herbs to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the flavor by adding spices or herbs such as:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary
11. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the forgotten chicken recipe is excellent for meal prep! You can make a large batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store it in individual containers for easy reheating.
12. Can I use other types of meat?
While the traditional recipe uses chicken, you can experiment with other meats such as turkey or pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations.
Conclusion
The forgotten chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who loves good food, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results! What variations did you try? Did you add any special ingredients? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
