There’s something magical about a dish that combines tender chicken with fluffy rice, all swimming in a rich, savory sauce. The aroma wafting from the kitchen will have your family gathering around the table faster than you can say “Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe.” This isn’t just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate that promises to transport you back to those cozy family dinners where laughter and love filled the air. Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- What can I serve with smothered chicken?
- How do I make this recipe spicier?
- 📖 Recipe Card
For me, cooking this dish brings back fond memories of my grandmother’s kitchen. I can still hear her teasing me about sneaking extra bites while she prepared dinner, claiming I could never resist that irresistible gravy. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a casual weeknight meal or a special gathering—this Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight cooking a breeze
- The flavors meld together perfectly, creating a deliciously comforting dish
- It’s not just tasty; its golden color and creamy texture make it visually appealing too
- Plus, you can easily customize it based on what ingredients you have available
I vividly remember serving this dish at a family get-together and watching everyone go back for seconds. The smiles on their faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Onion: A medium yellow onion works well; it adds sweetness when sautéed.
- Long-Grain White Rice: Use long-grain rice for fluffy results that absorb all that amazing sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is ideal for controlling saltiness while adding depth.
- Soy Sauce: A splash enhances umami flavor; use low-sodium if desired.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives the dish its signature creaminess and rich texture.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables; extra virgin adds great flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.
- Your Favorite Herbs (like Thyme or Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your onions and garlic finely; they will be the flavorful base of your dish.
Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown on both sides—about 5 minutes per side.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet. In the same pan, add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant—around 3 minutes.
Add Rice and Broth: Stir in long-grain rice until coated with oils from the pan. Pour in chicken broth along with soy sauce, then bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Creamy Goodness: Mix in cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated. Creamy Lemon Chicken Return your chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy rice mixture.
Simmer Until Perfect: Cover and reduce heat to low. Let everything cook together for about 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Serve hot with freshly chopped herbs sprinkled on top for an inviting finish. Enjoy this delightful Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe that transforms simple ingredients into comfort food magic! Sticky Chicken Rice Bowls. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Beef Wraps recipe.
You Must Know
- Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a comforting dish, perfect for family dinners
- The heartwarming aroma fills your home, making it hard to resist
- Customize the flavors with your favorite herbs for a personal touch, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then remove it and sauté onions and garlic. Add rice and broth, nestle the chicken back in, cover, and simmer until tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for an extra health boost. Experiment with spices like paprika or Italian seasoning to create your signature flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if necessary to maintain moisture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect results, always season your chicken with salt before cooking
- Using homemade broth elevates the dish’s flavor significantly
- Don’t rush the simmering process; allow flavors to meld beautifully for maximum deliciousness
I remember the first time I made this Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe; my kids devoured it! They begged for seconds and even thirds, declaring it their new favorite dish. For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Chicken Marsala Pasta recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking for even results.
What can I serve with smothered chicken?
Mashed potatoes or a fresh salad pair wonderfully with this hearty dish.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during cooking to kick up the heat!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. This simple yet satisfying dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special family gatherings. The delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eager to sit down and enjoy a warm, hearty meal. With easy-to-follow instructions and customizable options, this recipe promises smiles all around the table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., thyme or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Gather and chop the onions and garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides (about 5 minutes per side). Remove from skillet.
- Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until softened (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in rice until coated with oils, then add chicken broth and soy sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Mix in cream of chicken soup until combined; return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the mixture.
- Cover and reduce heat to low; cook for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
