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