Short Description
This recipe delivers comfort food at its finest! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce and baked with savory rice to create a one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
Step 3: Add the uncooked rice to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Pour half of the soup mixture over the rice, ensuring the rice is fully coated.
Step 5: Arrange the chicken breasts on top of the rice. Pour the remaining soup mixture over the chicken, making sure they are well covered.
Step 6: Dot the top with butter and cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Bake for 50 minutes, then remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 8: Bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 9: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with crispy fried onions (if using) and chopped parsley. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together in one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
- Comforting and Flavorful: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
- Great for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad.
- A crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Tips:
- Make sure to fully coat the rice with the soup mixture to prevent it from drying out during baking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before baking.
- If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup mixture.
- If you don’t have crispy fried onions, breadcrumbs can be used instead.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information:
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a classic comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory rice, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to increase the cooking time and possibly the amount of liquid. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook than white rice, so check the package instructions for specific cooking times.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or diced bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Add the vegetables along with the rice in Step 3.
Q3: Can I use cream of celery soup instead of cream of mushroom?
A: Yes, cream of celery soup is a good substitute for cream of mushroom soup. You can also use cream of broccoli or any other creamed soup you prefer.
Q4: How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
A: The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the breast.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.
