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Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

3.8 from 30 reviews

This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked in a creamy mushroom sauce infused with garlic, onion, and aromatic herbs. Served over savory white or brown rice, this comforting dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a flavorful, hearty meal any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Sauce

  • 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)

Other

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • Nonstick cooking spray (for baking dish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic. In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Prepare the Sauce Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well until smooth.
  5. Assemble and Bake. Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish, and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
  6. Bake Until Cooked Through. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
  7. Serve. Remove from oven and serve the smothered chicken hot over cooked white or brown rice.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the chicken is seared well to lock in juices and add flavor before baking.
  • You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
  • Leftover smothered chicken and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • To make this recipe gluten free, verify that the soy sauce and cream of mushroom soup are gluten free or use appropriate substitutes.
  • To add extra veggies, try stirring in some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers during the onion and garlic sauté step.

Keywords: smothered chicken, chicken and rice, creamy mushroom chicken, baked chicken, easy chicken dinner, comfort food