Growing up, I always looked forward to family gatherings, not just because of the fun and laughter, but also because of the food! One dish that was always a hit at our family feasts was the Company Chicken. This hearty, comforting dish was not just delicious, but also easy to make, with ingredients that you could easily find in your pantry. The blend of the creamy soups with the juicy chicken breasts created a perfect harmony of flavors that had everyone asking for seconds. This recipe has been passed down in my family for generations, and today, I’m excited to share it with you! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply want to prepare a delicious meal for your loved ones, this Company Chicken recipe is your go-to choice. So, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 c. instant rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 4 chicken breasts
Baking Instructions
- Mix first 4 ingredients together.
- Place chicken on top.
- Put a pat of butter on each piece of chicken; season to taste.
- Bake for 1 hour at 375°.
Calorie: 500
Total cooking time: 1 hour
Difficulty level: Easy
The Chronicles of the Company Chicken
Allow me to embark on a tale, a culinary saga if you will, of an average home cook (yours truly) attempting to master the elusive art of preparing Company Chicken.
The Gathering of the Unlikely Heroes
Our story begins in the bustling aisles of the local grocery store, where I was tasked to gather a motley crew of ingredients. These included: 1 c. instant rice, 1 can cream of mushroom soup, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 can cream of celery soup, and 4 chicken breasts. Who would’ve thought these humble pantry staples could unite to form a gourmet dish worthy of a dinner party?
The Mingle of the Soups
Back in the comfort of my kitchen, the first step was to mix the first four ingredients together. This, my friends, was a bonding experience like no other. The instant rice, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and cream of celery soup had to set aside their differences and mingle. It was like a soap opera in a mixing bowl, full of drama, tension, and yes, a fair amount of cream.
The Balancing Act
Next, the chicken breasts were called upon to perform a high-wire act of epic proportions. They were to be placed atop the rice-soup mixture, forming a precarious tower of poultry. If you think juggling a career, social life, and gym membership is hard, try balancing four chicken breasts on a bed of instant rice and canned soup!
The Butter Pat Parade
Then came the most humorous part of the process. Each chicken breast had to be adorned with a pat of butter. It was like a parade, where each float (or in this case, fowl) receives a crown. And then, the seasoning. To taste, they said. Well, my taste buds were certainly in for a wild ride!
The Oven’s Warm Embrace
The final step was to bake this masterpiece for 1 hour at 375°. Now, let me tell you, watching that oven timer count down was more suspenseful than any season finale. Would the flavors meld together into a mouth-watering medley or would it all end in a burnt, crumbly disaster?
The Chicken Revelation
The moment of truth arrived. The oven timer dinged. The heat wafted out. The aroma of the Company Chicken filled the kitchen. As I took the first bite, I realized… I had done it! Against all odds, this hodgepodge of instant rice and condensed soups had transformed into a succulent, savory feast.
In Conclusion, My Friends
So there you have it, the epic tale of an average cook and a not-so-average recipe. The next time you find yourself doubting your culinary skills, remember: if I can turn instant rice, canned soup, and chicken breasts into a gourmet meal, so can you! Just remember to laugh at the inevitable mishaps along the way, because in the kitchen, as in life, it’s all about enjoying the journey.
