Easy One-Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

Featured in Filling Main Courses.

This comforting one-dish meal combines browned chicken breasts with rice and vegetables in a creamy mushroom and chicken soup sauce. Perfect for family dinners.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:59 GMT
A close-up of grilled chicken pieces drizzled with sauce and garnished with chopped green onions, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. Pin it
A close-up of grilled chicken pieces drizzled with sauce and garnished with chopped green onions, served over a bed of fluffy white rice. | recipesim.com

Southern Style Smothered Chicken and Rice

My smothered chicken and rice brings cozy comfort to any table. After trying countless variations I found the perfect balance of tender chicken creamy sauce and perfectly cooked rice. This dish has become my family's most requested dinner both for busy weeknights and special gatherings.

A Recipe That Never Fails

I love how flexible this recipe is. Sometimes I add extra vegetables other times I make it spicier but it always turns out delicious. The leftovers taste even better the next day making it perfect for busy families.

What You'll Need

  • Chicken Breasts: Choose plump boneless skinless breasts for the juiciest results.
  • Rice: Long-grain white rice soaks up all that creamy goodness perfectly.
  • Cream of Chicken and Mushroom Soups: These create our velvety sauce base.
  • Vegetables: Fresh onions and peppers add wonderful flavor and texture.
  • Seasonings: My blend of garlic powder paprika salt and pepper makes everything sing.
A close-up of tender, glazed chicken pieces served over rice and garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A close-up of tender, glazed chicken pieces served over rice and garnished with chopped green onions. | recipesim.com

Let's Get Cooking

Start with the Chicken
Season your chicken generously then sear it until golden in hot oil about 2 minutes each side.
Cook Your Vegetables
Use that same flavorful pan to soften your onions and peppers.
Mix the Sauce
Blend your soups and broth then stir in the rice until well combined.
Bring it Together
Layer everything in your baking dish cover and let it bake at 350°F for an hour. Uncover at the end for a beautiful golden top.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different rice varieties?

Yes, but cooking times may vary. Brown rice needs longer cooking time and more liquid.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

→ How do I prevent dry chicken?

Don't overcook when browning, and keep tightly covered while baking to retain moisture.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, freeze after cooking. Reheat with extra broth to maintain moisture.

→ What if my rice isn't fully cooked?

Add 1/4 cup hot broth, cover, and continue baking until tender.

Smothered Chicken and Rice

A hearty casserole featuring seasoned chicken breasts layered with sautéed vegetables and rice in a rich creamy sauce.

Prep Time
~
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (1 casserole)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
02 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 1 onion, chopped.
04 1 green bell pepper, chopped.
05 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup.
06 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup.
07 1 can (14 oz) chicken broth.
08 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked.
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
10 1 teaspoon paprika.
11 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F.

Step 02

Season chicken with spices.

Step 03

Brown chicken in oil, 2-3 minutes per side.

Step 04

Remove chicken, set aside.

Step 05

Sauté onion and pepper.

Step 06

Mix soups, broth, and rice.

Step 07

Layer vegetables in baking dish.

Step 08

Top with chicken.

Step 09

Pour soup-rice mixture over.

Step 10

Cover with foil.

Step 11

Bake for 60 minutes.

Notes

  1. Great make-ahead dish.
  2. One-pan meal.
  3. Freezes well.
  4. Can use chicken thighs.
  5. Perfect comfort food.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Baking dish.
  • Aluminum foil.
  • Mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream soups).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~