Easy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Craving a hearty Southern smothered chicken and rice that promises comfort in every bite?

Layers of rich, golden-brown chicken nestle into fluffy white rice with a velvety sauce that whispers homemade love.

Slow-cooked until tender, this dish brings memories of grandma’s kitchen to your dining table.

Onions, bell peppers, and seasonings dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that warm your soul.

Each forkful tells a story of culinary tradition and pure satisfaction.

Louisiana home cooks have perfected this technique, making it a true Southern classic.

Come hungry and leave with a plate that feels like a warm embrace.

Why Smothered Chicken and Rice Is Comfort on a Plate

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Create a hearty, one-dish meal that saves time and reduces kitchen cleanup with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice in every delicious bite.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Enjoy a stress-free meal preparation where the oven does most of the work, allowing you to relax while dinner cooks to perfection.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Transform affordable ingredients into a satisfying meal that feels like a gourmet dinner without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice Dish

• Chicken Breasts: A hearty and lean protein that serves as the main star of this comforting dish.

• Onion, Bell Pepper: These aromatic vegetables add depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness to the recipe.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These creamy soups create a rich, velvety sauce that helps cook the rice and keep the chicken moist.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and enhances the overall savory flavor of the dish.
• Uncooked Rice: Absorbs the delicious liquid and becomes tender during baking.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the skillet.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a warm, aromatic note to the chicken.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Helps trap moisture and ensure even cooking of the chicken and rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Turn on your oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Saute Vegetables

• Chopped onions
• Chopped bell peppers

Cooking should take about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce and Rice Mixture

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Chicken broth

Stir in uncooked rice until well mixed.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Layer the sauteed vegetables in the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the browned chicken breasts on top.

Pour the soup and rice mixture over the chicken.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until the rice becomes tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Tips That Improve Smothered Chicken and Rice Flavor

• Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Opt for low-sodium cream soups to control the overall salt content and make the recipe healthier.
• Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix for extra depth of flavor and aromatic richness.
• If following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free cream soups or replace with homemade cream sauce made from cornstarch and broth.
• For a lighter version, substitute brown rice for white rice and use reduced-fat cream soups to decrease calories while maintaining delicious taste.

Variations to Change Up Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Replace bell peppers with jalapeños, add chili powder and cumin to spice up the dish. Mix in corn and black beans for extra southwestern flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Rice: Swap cream soups with Greek yogurt, use oregano and thyme. Add diced tomatoes and replace bell peppers with zucchini for a Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use coconut milk instead of cream soups for keto-friendly version. Season with additional herbs for rich flavor.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth and plant-based cream soups. Add extra vegetables like spinach and carrots for protein and nutrition.

Ideal Pairings with Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Smooth white wine complements the creamy sauce, balancing the rich flavors of smothered chicken with its buttery notes and subtle oakiness.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Fresh green vegetable adds brightness and crunch, cutting through the dish's richness while providing a nutritious side that enhances the meal's overall taste profile.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Hearty bread helps soak up the delicious creamy sauce, offering a perfect textural contrast and allowing diners to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful chicken and rice mixture.
• Complement with Fresh Garden Salad: Light, crisp salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, comforting main dish, adding color and nutritional balance to the plate.

How to Store Smothered Chicken and Rice Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Portion chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover dish with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Stir once during reheating to distribute moisture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking time as different rice varieties may require slightly different liquid ratios and cooking times.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soup alternatives or make your own cream sauce from scratch.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish earlier in the day and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Southern Smothered Chicken and Rice delivers comfort on a plate, blending rich gravy with tender chicken over fluffy rice. Home cooks savor this classic soul food dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

Staples and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14 ounces) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) for even cooking.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for robust flavor.
4. Sear chicken in hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown exterior. Transfer to a plate.
5. In the same skillet, gently sauté chopped onion and bell pepper until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
6. Combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy base.
7. Fold uncooked rice into the soup mixture, ensuring even distribution.
8. Spread sautéed onions and bell peppers across the bottom of a baking dish as the first layer.
9. Carefully arrange browned chicken breasts atop the vegetable layer.
10. Pour the soup-rice mixture evenly over the chicken, covering completely.
11. Securely wrap the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture.
12. Bake for 60 minutes, or until rice reaches tenderness and chicken is thoroughly cooked.
13. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and settle before serving.

Notes

• Perfectly brown chicken by patting it dry before seasoning, ensuring a golden crispy exterior that locks in juicy flavors.
• Swap cream soups for homemade versions to reduce sodium and control ingredients, making the dish healthier and more personalized.
• For gluten-free adaptation, use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice and replace cream soups with cornstarch-thickened broth and dairy alternatives.
• Add depth by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the soup mixture, elevating the overall taste profile of the comforting one-pan meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg