Smothered Chicken and Rice

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delicious and comforting meal that warms the heart. With tender chicken mixed with fluffy rice and a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinner or a cozy night in.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is super easy to prepare and makes a great meal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It’s a one-pan dish that saves on cleanup, and the flavors will make everyone at your table happy. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies if you want to add them!

How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  2. Add the chicken chunks and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides.
  3. Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth until well combined.
  4. Add the rice and bring to a boil.
  5. Cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Serve Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve the Smothered Chicken and Rice hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables. The creamy sauce makes it great for soaking up with a slice of bread too!

How to Store Smothered Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

  • For extra flavor, add some herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking.
  • Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like peas or bell peppers to make it even healthier.
  • Stir in some cheese just before serving for a creamy, cheesy twist.

Variation

You can swap out the cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken soup if you prefer. Some people even like to use a mix of both!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid a little since brown rice takes longer to cook.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it and then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

What can I serve with Smothered Chicken and Rice?
It goes great with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.