Mouthwatering Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal
Hey there, friend! Grab a cup of your favorite brew and let’s get cozy in the kitchen—today, I’m sharing one of my all-time favorites, the Delicious Forgotten Chicken Recipe. This dish always takes me back to family gatherings around the dinner table where love, laughter, and delicious aromas filled the air. Picture this: a lazy Sunday afternoon, the sun streaming through the kitchen window, and the mouthwatering scent of chicken and spices gently enveloping the home. There’s something incredibly comforting about the simplicity of this meal. The best part? You can set it and forget it while you whip up some homemade sides or kick back with a good book.
This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights or when you just want to treat yourself without spending all day in the kitchen. I promise it’s as easy as 1-2-3!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner—just a bit of prep and then it cooks itself!
- Budget-friendly—uses simple ingredients that you likely already have at home.
- Comforting flavors that warm your heart and fill your home with deliciousness.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch.
Ingredients
Ready to get cooking? Here’s what you’ll need for your mouthwatering Forgotten Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or 6 drumsticks)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves of fresh minced garlic for extra flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or any herbs you love)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, green, or a rainbow of colors for fun!)
- 1 cup carrots, sliced (optional but super tasty!)
Feel free to mix it up—fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered, and if you have fresh herbs hanging out in your fridge, toss them in for an extra burst of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the-making-it-happen part of this recipe, shall we? Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal that’s perfect any day of the week!
- Prep the Chicken: Pat your chicken dry with paper towels. This helps it brown better! Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Don’t be shy; those flavors are what makes the magic happen!
- Brown the Chicken (optional): If you have a few extra minutes, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until golden brown. This step creates an amazing depth of flavor but is totally optional if you want to keep it simple.
- Load the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, layer the chopped onions and bell peppers, then add the browned chicken on top. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. If you’re using carrots, toss them in last. They’re lovely when slightly tender yet still offering a bit of bite!
- Set It and Forget It: Put the lid on, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours. If you’re going for a cozy afternoon, low settings are perfect.
- Finishing Touches: As the cooking time nears its end, take a moment to enjoy the heavenly aroma wafting from the kitchen. Once it’s done, check if the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart. If it is, you’re ready to serve! If you like a thicker sauce, remove some of the liquid and let it simmer in a pan for a few minutes until it reduces.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on your chicken during cooking—it should be tender but not mushy. The longer it cooks, the more savory flavor deepens, but you don’t want it to fall apart completely.
Pro Tips & Variations
How fun is it to make a recipe your own? Here are a few playful pro tips to inspire your creativity!
- Spice It Up: Love a bit of heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some jalapeño slices! Want to go international? Try some curry powder for a hint of Indian flavor.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: Replace chicken with hearty veggies like jackfruit or chickpeas for a delightful plant-based option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Serve It Differently: How about serving the delicious chicken over a fluffy bed of rice, alongside homemade garlic bread, or even as a taco filling with your favorite toppings?
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this glorious dish, there are endless possibilities! I love to dish it up over a warm mound of rice, letting the sauce soak in to create a comforting embrace for my taste buds. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
A side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad would perfectly complement the richness of the chicken. And don’t forget to serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of flavorful sauce! Ahh, heaven!
Storage Tips
Here’s how to safely enjoy those delicious leftovers:
- Refrigerating: Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through!
- Freezing: If you want to stash some for later, package the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for about 3 months. When you’re ready to savor it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. You could also pop it in the microwave for a quick meal—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep it moist!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken cooks a bit faster, so keep an eye on it. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety!
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or even water with a pinch of salt and aromatics if you don’t have broth handy.
Can I layer the veggies differently?
Definitely! Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables. Just remember that denser veggies like carrots or potatoes should go on the bottom, and softer ones like bell peppers or zucchini can be layered on top.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Forgotten Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your broth and any other products you use are labeled gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Of course! You can make this in a Dutch oven or a baking dish covered with foil. Bake at 325°F for about 1.5 hours, checking for tenderness.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this little journey into creating a comforting, Delicious Forgotten Chicken that’s perfect for any occasion! Cooking should be a joyful experience, and I’m genuinely thrilled for you to try this recipe. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Please feel free to drop a comment below to share how your chicken turned out or any personal twists you tried. Happy cooking, my friend!
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Mouthwatering Forgotten Chicken Recipe: Set-It-and-Forget-It Meal
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Discover a savory forgotten chicken dish that’s effortless to make! Enjoy this set-it-and-forget-it recipe for a delightful meal. Perfect for busy cooks!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A comforting and easy set-it-and-forget-it chicken dish, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy quality time or make homemade sides.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
Keywords: forgotten chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy chicken recipes, comfort food, family meals