Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings comfort, warmth, and unforgettable flavors to the table, look no further than this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe. With its tender chicken soaked in a creamy sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice, this meal captures the essence of home-cooked goodness. It’s perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to nourish both the body and soul. Readers will appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and the way such simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility; it’s hearty enough to please the hungriest crowd yet refined enough to serve to guests. The combination of seared chicken, aromatic garlic and onions, and a savory sauce leaves everyone craving seconds. You might just find it’s the new favorite recipe in your household!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Ingredients ready for preparation, including fresh chicken and savory seasonings.

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear them in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and thyme.
5. Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce mixture over the top.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve the smothered chicken over the cooked rice and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Use boneless turkey breasts instead of chicken for a leaner option, or substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or celery soup for a different flavor profile.
• Optional Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce mixture for extra texture and nutrition. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving for added creaminess.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

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