Smothered Chicken and Rice 🍗🍚

Smothered Chicken and Rice 🍗🍚

This Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food dish, combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy, flavorful rice mixture that’s baked to perfection. With layers of sautéed onions and bell peppers, creamy soups, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pan wonder is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting meal step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pan Wonder : Minimal cleanup—everything bakes together in one dish.
2. Comfort Food Classic : Creamy, savory, and filling, it’s perfect for cozy family dinners.
3. Easy & Foolproof : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
4. Customizable : Add extra spices, veggies, or cheese for your own twist.
5. Meal Prep Friendly : Great for leftovers—tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Serves 4–6)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion , chopped
• 1 green bell pepper , chopped
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth
• 1 cup long-grain white rice , uncooked
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
3. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 2–3 minutes per side , until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and green bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes , until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth.
2. Mix in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
2. Spread the sautéed onions and bell peppers evenly across the bottom of the dish.
3. Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the veggies.
4. Pour the soup and rice mixture evenly over the chicken, spreading it out to cover everything.

Step 6: Bake

1. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes , or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C ), and the sauce is bubbly.

Step 7: Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Spoon the creamy rice and veggies alongside the chicken, and enjoy this comforting meal with your loved ones!

Tips for Success

1. Use Jasmine Rice : For a softer texture, substitute long-grain white rice with jasmine rice. Adjust liquid slightly if needed.
2. Add Cheese : Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
3. Boost Flavor : Stir in diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or Italian seasoning for added depth.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
5. Freeze for Later : Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Perfect Pairings

This Smothered Chicken and Rice pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad : A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Hot Sauce : Add a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little spice.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 6 servings)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~30g
• Carbohydrates : ~40g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hearty dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and savory veggies creates a meal that’s rich in flavor and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a dish to share with loved ones, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. So grab your chicken, chop those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love.