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