Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked atop a creamy, flavorful rice mixture with sautéed bell peppers and onions. The dish is perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, making it an ideal comforting meal for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Black 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 the oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season both sides of each breast with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to ensure flavorful meat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the rice’s flavor.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir the rice into the skillet, coating it thoroughly with the oil and vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring the rice begins cooking evenly.
- Add Cream and Arrange Chicken: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder, mixing well to combine. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the skillet or transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and cover tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Serve: Remove from the oven carefully. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains and mix flavors slightly. Serve the smothered chicken and rice warm for a comforting and hearty meal.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving for added color and freshness.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the paprika.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though it may reduce creaminess.
