Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich, flavorful sauce made with cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and savory herbs. Baked together with long-grain white rice, this comforting one-pan meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Sauce and Rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice together.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Mix everything thoroughly to combine the creamy base for the rice and chicken.
- Add Rice and Seasonings: Add the long-grain white rice, water, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil on the stovetop.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice mixture.
- Bake: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe to avoid transferring food during baking.
- The rice cooks perfectly in the creamy sauce, absorbing all flavors; do not remove the lid during baking to keep steam in.
- If you prefer, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.
