Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe offers a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, savory rice medley infused with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and smoked paprika. Perfect for a family dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
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 (vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the long grain rice to coat each grain with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the rice starts to absorb the liquid.
- Mix in Cream and Arrange Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder for a rich, creamy base. Then, place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice without stirring.
- Bake to Completion: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to fully absorb the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve the smothered chicken and rice warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the rice mixture and chicken to a baking dish before baking.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the texture will be less creamy.
- For added flavor, consider sprinkling fresh parsley or grated cheese before serving.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
