Creamy Smothered Chicken with Rice and Savory Gravy Recipe

Benefits and Advantages of Smothered Chicken and Rice

Smothered chicken and rice stands out for its simple preparation and comforting, hearty flavors. It combines tender, protein-rich chicken with flavorful rice, creating a balanced meal that supports muscle growth and sustained energy. This recipe’s adaptability to various dietary preferences including gluten-free, low-fat, and vegan options makes it widely appealing. The slow-cooking process and harmonious blend of spices build layers of rich flavor without excess fat or calories. Additionally, its one-pot cooking style simplifies clean-up and saves time, making it perfect for busy households. This dish delivers a nutritious, satisfying meal that caters to diverse nutritional needs while maintaining convenience and taste.

Essential Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
• 1 medium onion, chopped or diced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional for extra veggies)
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (14 oz) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (can substitute brown rice or quinoa with liquid adjustments)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley
• Optional butter (about 2 tablespoons) for sautéing vegetables or finishing sauce
• Optional cornstarch slurry: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening sauce

Each ingredient plays an important role: chicken offers lean protein, rice provides a tender, cream-infused base, and soup and broth combine to deliver moisture and flavor depth. Aromatics like onions and bell peppers add texture and nutrients. The optional seasonings broaden flavor and allow personal taste customization.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Smothered Chicken and Rice

Adapting this recipe to dietary needs is straightforward with thoughtful substitutions. For a vegan-friendly version, replace chicken with tofu, jackfruit, or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Gluten-free diets benefit from certified gluten-free broths and rice options, such as brown rice or quinoa. For a low-carb or keto approach, substitute cauliflower rice for traditional rice. Dairy-free adaptations can swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil without sacrificing richness.

Herbs and spices can be modified to avoid allergens or to match personal preferences. Adding fresh parsley or thyme lends freshness, while paprika and garlic powder ensure robust flavor. These substitutions make this dish versatile and accessible to various dietary plans while keeping the essence and comforting qualities intact.

How to Prepare the Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare ingredients. Finely chop onions and garlic. Rinse rice under cold water to remove extra starch for fluffier rice.
2. Brown chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Brown for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden, but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté vegetables. In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil, then sauté onions and green bell peppers until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
4. Mix sauce and rice. In a bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and uncooked rice. Optionally stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
5. Assemble in baking dish. Spread sautéed vegetables evenly in a baking dish. Layer browned chicken breasts on top.
6. Add sauce mixture. Pour the creamy soup and rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
7. Bake. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Finish. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top slightly. After baking, let rest covered to keep juices locked in.

This stepwise approach ensures perfectly cooked chicken and tender rice, with creamy, savory sauce. Simple ingredient preparation and layering make it accessible for cooks of all levels while allowing flexibility for dietary preferences.

For complementary recipes, explore our Parmesan Chicken and Rice and Garlic Chicken, both easy and flavorful additions to your meal planning.

Learn expert tips on how to cook perfect rice and elevate your rice cooking skills.

Discover techniques for creamy chicken and rice dishes with this helpful recipe for inspiration.

Advanced Tips and Variations

To bring extra depth of flavor to your smothered chicken and rice, try making your own chicken broth from scratch for a richer, more robust base. Roasting the chicken breasts before adding them to the dish will impart smoky, caramelized notes that elevate the overall taste. Adding vegetables such as sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh spinach during the sauté step introduces extra nutrients and delightful texture contrasts.

For creamier results, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk toward the end of cooking. You can experiment with different rice varieties wild rice or a blend with quinoa offer unique texture and added nutrition. Spice blend variations like Cajun or Creole seasoning can lend regional flair and warmer spice profiles. To keep the dish lighter, opt for skinless chicken and reduce the amount of added oil. Advanced cooks may deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or a dash of soy sauce to enhance umami richness.

These options make the smothered chicken and rice recipe versatile and customizable, appealing to a variety of palates and dietary preferences.

How to Store Smothered Chicken and Rice: Best Practices

Proper storage will help maintain the freshness and safety of your smothered chicken and rice. After cooking, allow the dish to cool to room temperature within two hours to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Transfer the food into airtight containers and refrigerate; it will keep well for up to four days.

For longer storage, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for even reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Make sure the dish is heated through to steaming hot for food safety, and avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture and flavor.

Label containers with the date of storage to keep track of freshness and enjoy your delicious meal safely.

Nutritional Value of Smothered Chicken and Rice

This dish provides a nourishing mix of macronutrients and important vitamins and minerals. The chicken offers high-quality lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth, while the rice supplies energy through complex carbohydrates. Using brown rice improves fiber intake. Healthy fats come from cooking oils, and herbs add antioxidants for immune support. This balance makes smothered chicken and rice a wholesome, satisfying meal.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken with Rice and Savory Gravy Recipe

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• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Omnivore

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Description

🍗 Experience a hearty, creamy smothered chicken dish combined with tender rice and flavorful savory gravy.
🍚 Perfect for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus additional for sautéing)
1 onion, chopped (about 1 medium)
1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (14 oz) chicken broth, low sodium preferred
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, dried thyme, dried parsley
Optional: 2 tablespoons butter for sautéing or finishing sauce
Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and optional onion powder or herbs.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts 2-3 minutes per side without fully cooking. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add butter or olive oil and sauté chopped onion and green bell pepper about 5 minutes until softened.
5. In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, and uncooked rice until smooth. Add cornstarch mixture if a thicker sauce is desired.
6. Spread sautéed vegetables evenly in a baking dish, layer browned chicken on top.
7. Pour soup and rice mixture over the chicken, ensuring rice is submerged.
8. Cover tightly with foil and bake 60 minutes until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.
9. For a golden top, remove foil during last 10 minutes of baking.
10. Let rest covered for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

🍗 Season chicken generously before browning to develop deep flavors.
🥄 Use pan drippings to sauté vegetables to lock in more taste.
⏲️ Cover baking dish tightly to keep moisture and ensure rice cooks evenly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Creamy, Smothered, Chicken, Rice