DINNER

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Chef Olivia

December 5, 2025
3 min read

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why make this recipe

This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights because it is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. The combination of seared chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and perfectly cooked rice makes it a family favorite. Plus, it’s simple enough for novice cooks to master!

how to make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
In a bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and thyme.
Place seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the sauce mixture over the top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Serve over cooked rice and enjoy!

how to serve Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve this dish hot, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice. It pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad on the side. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs, like parsley, for an added touch of flavor and color.

how to store Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and rice in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, it can last for up to 3 days in the fridge. You can reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If you want to freeze it, make sure to keep it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

tips to make Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. This ensures they brown nicely.
If you want a bit of a kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture.
Feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time. Just skip the searing step and combine with the sauce before baking.

variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like peas or carrots to the creamy sauce before baking. Another option is to use different canned soups, such as cream of chicken or celery, for a twist on the flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. It may take longer to cook through.

Q: What type of rice should I use?
A: You can use either white or brown rice. Both work well in this dish, but brown rice will take longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just remember to bake it when you’re ready to serve.