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Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Tender chicken breasts baked in creamy mushroom sauce, served over fluffy rice. This comforting one-dish meal is ready in under an hour and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs, similar size
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 10.5 oz cream of mushroom soup 1 can
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
  • nonstick cooking spray

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet
  • meat thermometer
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and soy sauce. Stir in the paprika and dried thyme until well combined and smooth.
  5. Place the seared chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish in a single layer. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
  7. Fluff the cooked rice and divide it among 4 plates. Place one chicken breast on each portion of rice and generously drizzle with the creamy mushroom sauce from the baking dish.

Notes

Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. Low-sodium broth and soy sauce give you better control over saltiness. Chicken thighs can be substituted for richer, more forgiving meat. Add bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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