Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, flavorful rice mixture with sautéed peppers and onions. It’s a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights that combines juicy chicken with a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and smoked paprika.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long grain rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup onions, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cooking 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, and smoked paprika to enhance their flavor.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir the long grain rice into the sautéed vegetables, coating the rice grains with oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the rice.
- Add Cream and Assemble: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder for a rich, creamy rice base. Place the seasoned chicken breasts gently on top of the rice mixture in the skillet or transfer to an oven-safe dish if needed.
- Bake: Cover the skillet or dish tightly with foil or a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from oven, fluff the rice with a fork to separate grains, and serve the smothered chicken and rice warm for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the texture may be less rich.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the finished dish before serving.
- If you prefer spicy food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables.
- Ensure the rice is fully covered with liquid before baking to avoid dry rice.
- This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop or oven.
