Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. This one-pan dish is packed with flavors, making it a perfect weeknight meal for the family. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and the softness of the rice creates a satisfying and hearty meal that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try for busy cooks who don’t want to sacrifice flavor for convenience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make

This dish is incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. One-Pan Wonder

Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. The chicken is cooked in a rich, savory sauce that soaks into the rice, creating a delicious all-in-one meal.

3. Comforting and Hearty

The creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice makes this dish comforting and satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser.

4. Customizable

You can easily adjust the seasoning and ingredients to suit your taste. Add more vegetables, use different types of chicken, or spice it up with a bit of cayenne pepper or paprika.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days. It also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights when you need something quick and filling.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Smothered Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for added umami flavor)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with plant-based chicken or extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. You can also add beans like black beans for added protein.
• Spicy Version: Add a bit of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For added flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
• Cheese Lovers: Stir in shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy smothered chicken and rice version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Smothered Sauce

Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, and butter. Mix everything together, ensuring the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add soy sauce for a deeper umami flavor.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice, making sure it’s evenly distributed in the sauce. Place the browned chicken back on top of the rice.

Step 5: Cook the Dish

Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). If you’re using bone-in chicken, you may need to cook it for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 6: Optional Add-Ins

If you’re adding shredded cheese for extra creaminess, sprinkle it over the chicken and rice about 5 minutes before the dish is done cooking. Cover and let it melt.

Step 7: Serve

Once everything is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Long-Grain Rice: For the best results, use long-grain white rice. It cooks perfectly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
• Cover While Cooking: Covering the pan while the rice cooks helps trap moisture and ensures the rice cooks evenly.
• Adjust the Liquid: If you find that the rice absorbs too much of the sauce, you can add a little more chicken broth or cream to keep it creamy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Chicken: If you’re cooking more chicken than the pan can fit, it’s better to cook it in batches to ensure even browning and cooking.

How to Serve

This dish can be served on its own, as the rice and chicken provide a complete meal. You can pair it with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for an extra touch. The creamy sauce makes it a fantastic accompaniment to any sides.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Smothered Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the microwave or stovetop.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to the dish if it seems dry. Heat on low to prevent the rice from burning and ensure everything heats through evenly.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the liquid and cooking time if you choose to use brown rice.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken works well too. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

3. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They stay tender and juicy, adding extra flavor to the dish.

4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.

5. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots to the rice as it cooks for added flavor and nutrients.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can make this recipe in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken in a pan first, then add it to the slow cooker with the rice, broth, and soup. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.

7. What if the rice isn’t fully cooked?

If the rice isn’t cooked through after the suggested cooking time, add a little more broth or water and continue to cook until the rice is tender.

8. Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes, adding shredded cheese towards the end of cooking creates a creamy, cheesy version of the dish. Cheddar or mozzarella works well.

9. Can I use a different type of soup in the sauce?

You can replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup, or even a cream of celery soup, for different flavor profiles.

10. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some hot sauce to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

Conclusion

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The juicy, seasoned chicken, rich creamy sauce, and fluffy rice come together to create a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With the option to customize the recipe and add your favorite ingredients, this dish is as versatile as it is tasty. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Smothered Chicken and Rice will always be a hit!

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