Smothered Chicken and Rice

Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 medium chopped onion; 3 cloves minced garlic; 10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 cups cooked rice; Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings the wholesome flavors of chicken, rice, and a creamy sauce to your dinner table. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich sauce made from cream of mushroom soup, savory spices, and tender vegetables. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for a family meal or a cozy gathering with friends. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or hearty weekends. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, Smothered Chicken and Rice is bound to become a favorite in your home.

Making Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just about feeding your family; it’s about creating a nourishing meal that brings comfort and satisfaction. The creamy sauce coats the chicken beautifully, infusing it with flavors and keeping it moist during baking. You’ll find that this one-pan dish requires minimal clean-up, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your time with family and friends rather than on the dishes afterward. Moreover, the ingredients are pantry staples for many, which means you can whip this meal up on short notice.

Why make this recipe

There are several reasons to consider making Smothered Chicken and Rice. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe can be on your table in under an hour. Perfect for busy weekdays, it allows you to serve a delicious homemade meal without spending all day in the kitchen. Secondly, the rich, creamy texture of the sauce elevates simple chicken and rice into something special. The blend of familiar flavors sings on your palate, making it a comforting choice for all ages.

In addition to simplicity and flavor, this dish is highly versatile. While the classic version includes chicken and rice, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking to make it dairy-free or add vegetables, Smothered Chicken and Rice accommodates various dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover rice or chicken, minimizing food waste.

How to make Smothered Chicken and Rice

Now that you know why this dish is worth making, let’s dive into how to put it all together. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a mouthwatering meal that’s sure to impress. You’ll follow a series of simple steps to create a hearty dish that is both satisfying and comforting.

Ingredients:

To make Smothered Chicken and Rice, you will need the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium chopped onion
3 cloves of minced garlic
10.5 oz can of cream of mushroom soup
1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon of paprika
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
2 cups of cooked rice
Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
In a separate bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and thyme until smooth.
Place seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce mixture over it.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve the smothered chicken over cooked rice, garnished with herbs if desired.

Time Breakdown

Let’s break down the time needed to prepare Smothered Chicken and Rice. The initial preparation and cooking time will take approximately 15 minutes. While the chicken is baking, the rice can be cooked simultaneously, which should take around 20 minutes. Altogether, you will invest roughly 35 minutes in hands-on work, plus 30-35 minutes of baking time, totaling about 1 hour for a flavorful meal.

How to serve Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serving Smothered Chicken and Rice is as simple as placing a generous scoop of rice on each plate and topping it with the juicy chicken and creamy sauce. You may want to enhance the dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an added touch of flavor and freshness. Pair this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad to create a well-rounded meal that will satisfy everyone at your table.

How to store Smothered Chicken and Rice

If you happen to have leftovers, storing Smothered Chicken and Rice is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the microwave or reheat on the stovetop until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Just note that the rice may lose some of its texture upon thawing, so it might be best to prepare fresh rice when ready to enjoy again.

Tips to make Smothered Chicken and Rice

To enhance your Smothered Chicken and Rice, consider a few helpful tips. First, marinate your chicken in the soy sauce for at least an hour before cooking for added flavor. You may also mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the sauce to make it even more nutritious. Finally, if you prefer a thicker sauce, let it cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow some liquid to evaporate.

Variation

Feel free to experiment with Smothered Chicken and Rice. You can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup or even create a homemade sauce using heavy cream and chicken stock. For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. Additionally, you can replace the rice with quinoa or serve the chicken on a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

While nutrition values can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes, a typical serving of Smothered Chicken and Rice includes approximately 420 calories, 30g of protein, 40g of carbohydrates, and 15g of fat. The dish provides a good source of protein while keeping the carb count reasonable, making it a filling and wholesome choice.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just make sure to extend the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through completely.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice works well in this recipe; just be sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice.

Is it possible to make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare Smothered Chicken and Rice in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Serve over cooked rice as instructed.

Smothered Chicken and Rice is truly a comforting dish that can easily become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Not only is it simple to make, but it also allows for creativity and flexibility, making it a delicious choice for any occasion. Enjoy the warmth and flavors this delightful dish brings to your home!