Few dishes can match the comforting warmth and richness of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.This beloved classic combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a luscious, savory sauce, making it a go-to meal for families and food lovers alike. Whether you’re seeking a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
🧄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable to your taste preferences.
- Comforting: A hearty meal that satisfies every time.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers and easy to reheat.
🍗 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
- 3 cups water or chicken broth
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté the diced onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream.
- Mix in the dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and add to the sauce mixture.
4. Assemble the Dish
- In a large baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly.
- Layer the sautéed vegetables over the rice.
- Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring everything is well-covered.
5. Bake
- Secure the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Take off the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to help the top develop a light golden-brown finish.
6. Serve
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 430
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fat: 12g
- Sodium: 780mg
Keep in mind that nutritional values are calculated estimates and can change with different ingredient choices.
🔄 Variations and Tips
- Cheesy Delight: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Add mushrooms, carrots, or peas for added nutrition and texture.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can enhance the flavor profile.
📹 Watch and Learn
For a visual guide on making Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, check out this helpful video:
📝 Final Thoughts
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings people together. Its rich flavors, combined with the ease of preparation, make it a staple in many households. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish
