Description
This Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken is seared to perfection, then baked with seasoned rice in a creamy, flavorful sauce. This one-pot dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Rice & Sauce:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for extra richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add onions, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Prepare the Rice Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, seasonings, and butter until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
- Spread the sautéed vegetables in a baking dish.
- Place the seared chicken on top.
- Pour the rice and soup mixture evenly over everything, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes for a golden top.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
- Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add ½ cup of shredded cheese in the last 10 minutes of baking.
- If using brown rice, increase broth by ½ cup and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes.
- Make it spicier by adding an extra pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a healthier version, replace one can of soup with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 30 g
Keywords: Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe, Creamy Chicken and Rice Bake, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, Southern Comfort Food Recipe, Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole