Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked over a creamy, flavorful bed of long grain rice, bell peppers, and onions. The dish combines comforting textures with smoky paprika and garlic notes, making it a perfect one-pan meal for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Preheat and season chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season them evenly with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for a smoky, aromatic flavor.
- Sauté vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice and broth: Stir the long grain rice into the skillet, coating it well with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the rice.
- Add cream and arrange chicken: Lower the heat to a simmer and mix in the heavy cream to create a creamy base. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the skillet.
- Bake covered: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap the steam, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains and mix the creamy flavors evenly. Serve the smothered chicken and rice warm for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- If you don’t have a skillet safe for oven use, transfer the rice and chicken mixture to a baking dish before covering and baking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the dish may be less creamy.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas to enhance flavor and nutrition.
- To check for doneness, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
