Make Dinner Stress-Free with this Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Forgotten Chicken recipe is the perfect solution for those busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without all the hassle. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: all you need to do is prepare the chicken, toss it into the oven, and forget about it. While it’s cooking, you can focus on other tasks, relax, or even catch up on your favorite show. There’s no need for constant attention or complicated steps—just set it and forget it!

This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner when you don’t want to be glued to the stove but still want something flavorful and hearty. The result is perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin, tender meat, and savory seasonings, all while requiring minimal effort. It’s a recipe that guarantees great results every time!

Not only does this Forgotten Chicken bring a balance of crispy skin and juicy meat, but the flavors are simple yet satisfying. Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and garlic work their magic during the slow-roasting process, infusing the chicken with an aromatic fragrance that fills the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner party, this chicken is sure to impress.

Why This Recipe Works

1. Minimal Hands-On Time
   The best part about Forgotten Chicken is that you can set it in the oven and not worry about it. It doesn’t require constant basting or checking, freeing you up to do other things while dinner cooks.
2. Flavorful Yet Simple
   The ingredients for this recipe are basic pantry staples, but the long, slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors of the herbs, garlic, and seasoning. The result is a juicy, aromatic chicken with crispy skin, making every bite mouthwatering.
3. Customizable for Your Taste
   While this recipe provides a basic flavor profile, it’s incredibly customizable. You can add different herbs or spices to suit your preferences. Try experimenting with lemon, paprika, or thyme if you want to change up the flavor.
4. Perfect for Meal Prep or Busy Weeknights
   This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can roast a whole chicken and use the leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, salads, or soups. It’s a versatile meal that keeps on giving throughout the week.
5. Tender Meat with Crispy Skin
   By cooking the chicken low and slow, you ensure that the meat remains tender and juicy. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding texture and depth to every bite. This balance of tenderness and crunch is what makes the Forgotten Chicken so irresistible.

Ingredients Breakdown of the Forgotten Chicken Recipe

• Whole Chicken (3-4 pounds): The star of the dish. Make sure the chicken is thawed and patted dry for the best results.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the skin crisp up and adds richness to the chicken.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Adds a savory aroma and flavor to the chicken.
• Fresh Herbs (2 sprigs of rosemary, 2 sprigs of thyme): These aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with flavor.
• Lemon (1, halved): Provides a refreshing citrus note that balances out the richness of the chicken.
• Sea Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the chicken’s flavor.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat and enhances the overall taste.
• Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor to the chicken.
• Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Keeps the chicken moist during cooking and adds extra flavor.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Herbs for Maximum Flavor:
   While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic will infuse the chicken with a more vibrant flavor. Fresh herbs are an investment that will elevate your dishes.
2. Don’t Skip the Resting Time:
   Letting the chicken rest after cooking is a crucial step. If you cut into it immediately, all the juices will run out, leaving you with dry meat. Resting helps retain the juiciness.
3. Add Vegetables to the Roasting Pan:
   If you want to turn this into a one-pan meal, toss some vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or onions in olive oil and seasoning, and place them around the chicken in the roasting pan. They’ll absorb the flavors from the chicken and become tender and delicious.
4. Check the Temperature:
   For the juiciest chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is both safe to eat and perfectly cooked.
5. Experiment with Spices:
   Feel free to add your favorite spices or seasoning blends to customize the flavor. Adding a dash of cumin, smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of chili flakes can change the flavor profile to suit your taste.

Variants of the Recipe

While the original Forgotten Chicken recipe is simple and delicious, there are many ways to customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variants you can try:

1. Garlic and Herb Forgotten Chicken

If you’re a fan of garlic and herb flavors, this version will take your chicken to the next level. Simply increase the amount of minced garlic (up to 8 cloves) and use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, sage, and oregano, in addition to rosemary and thyme. The combination of these herbs will create an aromatic and flavorful crust on the chicken. You can even rub the herb mixture under the skin for extra flavor.

2. Lemon and Honey Forgotten Chicken

For a slightly sweeter version, add honey to the seasoning mix. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with the olive oil and rub it on the chicken, along with the sea salt, pepper, and paprika. This variation will give the chicken a beautifully caramelized and sweet exterior that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon. You can even squeeze a bit of honey over the chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking to achieve a golden-brown glaze.

3. Spicy Forgotten Chicken

If you like a little heat, consider adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. This will bring a kick of spice that complements the natural flavors of the chicken. You can also toss some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes in the roasting pan for a spicy kick that seeps into the chicken as it cooks.

4. Mediterranean Forgotten Chicken

For a Mediterranean twist, add ingredients like olives, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the chicken cavity or roasting pan. The combination of salty olives, creamy feta, and the earthiness of the rosemary creates a savory and slightly tangy flavor that enhances the chicken. Adding a drizzle of olive oil on top will make it even more decadent.

5. Balsamic Forgotten Chicken

If you’re looking for a tangy yet savory profile, try balsamic vinegar. Add a few tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the chicken broth before roasting. The vinegar will infuse the chicken with a subtle acidity that balances out the richness of the meat, leaving you with an incredibly tender and flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is a perfect stand-alone dish, but to make it a full meal, you can pair it with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some ideas to elevate the meal:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Roast some seasonal vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips. These vegetables can be tossed in olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper and placed around the chicken during the last 30 minutes of roasting. The vegetables will soak up the chicken’s delicious flavors, creating a well-rounded dish.

2. Fresh Green Salad

A crisp salad can balance out the richness of the chicken. Try a simple green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also add some sliced avocado for extra creaminess.

3. Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with roasted chicken. The creamy potatoes will complement the savory flavors of the chicken, and you can add a dollop of garlic butter or sour cream for extra richness.

4. Quinoa or Rice Pilaf

For a healthy and filling side, try quinoa or rice pilaf. The nutty flavors of quinoa or the aromatic rice pilaf will provide a hearty base to serve the chicken on. You can even add chopped herbs or toasted almonds to your pilaf to make it even more flavorful.

Recipe Card

Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Recipe by SimonCuisine: InternationalDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

3

hours 

Calories

350

kcal

A tender, flavorful chicken recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week. This chicken slowly roasts to perfection with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

• 1 onion, quartered

• 1 lemon, halved

• 4 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 cup chicken broth

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken.
• Season the chicken generously with sea salt, black pepper, paprika, rosemary, and thyme.
• Stuff the cavity with the quartered onion, halved lemon, and crushed garlic cloves.
• Place the chicken on a roasting pan and pour chicken broth around the chicken.
• Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and roast for 2 ½ – 3 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to crisp up.
• Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

Notes

• You can make this chicken in advance and store it for later use, as outlined in the storage section.
• Customize with your favorite herbs and spices, or try one of the variants listed in the article.

FAQs about Forgotten Chicken Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about the Forgotten Chicken recipe:

Final Thoughts

The Forgotten Chicken recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious and effortless dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Its tender, flavorful chicken will melt in your mouth, and the simple ingredients make it a budget-friendly option. So next time you want to “forget” about cooking for a while, pop this chicken in the oven and enjoy a truly comforting meal. Don’t forget to try the variants and get creative with your sides!

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out the Galena Chicken recipe, for another delicious dish!