Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Olive oil; Chopped onion; Chopped green bell pepper; Cream of chicken soup; Cream of mushroom soup; Chicken broth; Uncooked long-grain white rice; Garlic powder; Paprika; Salt and pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: The combination of juicy chicken and creamy rice makes for a filling and warming meal.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
One-Pan Preparation: Easy cleanup with everything cooked together in a single dish.
Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite vegetables or to suit dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Chopped onion
Chopped green bell pepper
Cream of chicken soup
Cream of mushroom soup
Chicken broth
Uncooked long-grain white rice
Garlic powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper

Directions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and green bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth.
Assemble Dish: In a baking dish, layer the sautéed vegetables at the bottom. Add the uncooked rice on top, then pour the soup mixture over the rice. Place the seared chicken breasts on top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your smothered chicken and rice hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option, or use tofu for a vegetarian version.
Grain Options: Replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrients; adjust cooking times accordingly.
Additional Vegetables: Incorporate mushrooms, carrots, or celery to enhance flavor and nutrition.
Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if the dish appears dry.

FAQs

1. Can I use instant rice for this recipe?

Yes, but reduce the baking time accordingly, as instant rice cooks faster than long-grain rice.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add extra baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cream soups and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

5. How can I add more spice to the dish?

Incorporate cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix for added heat.

6. What side dishes pair well with smothered chicken and rice?

Steamed vegetables, green beans, or a fresh garden salad complement this dish nicely.

7. Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked; bone-in pieces may require a longer baking time.

8. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Ensure the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid overbaking to maintain proper rice texture.

9. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, assemble the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the chicken and rice are cooked through.

10. What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

Substitute with an additional can of cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a versatile and comforting dish that’s