Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts seared to perfection and baked in a rich, flavorful mushroom sauce. Infused with garlic, onion, and herbs, this comforting dish is perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Sauce
- 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)
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in flavor and juices.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, roughly 3 minutes, which adds depth to the sauce.
- Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix thoroughly to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Assemble and Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the mushroom sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the foil and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve the smothered chicken hot over a bed of cooked white or brown rice for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control salt content.
- Searing the chicken first seals in juices and creates a better texture.
- Covering with foil during baking keeps the chicken moist and tender.
- You can use either white or brown rice based on preference for texture and nutrition.
- For a creamier sauce, consider stirring in a splash of milk or cream before baking.
Keywords: smothered chicken, baked chicken, chicken and rice, mushroom sauce, comfort food
Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/best-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe/
