Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts baked in a flavorful mushroom and herb sauce, served over a bed of fluffy rice. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
Serving
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- 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.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the sauce's flavor.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top of the chicken to smother it in flavor.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is safely cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the smothered chicken hot over a bed of cooked rice, either white or brown, to soak up the delicious sauce. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce helps control the salt content in the dish.
- Be sure to sear the chicken well to enhance flavor and texture before baking.
- Covering the dish with foil prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked for safety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
