Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

I absolutely love this Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe because it hits that perfect sweet spot between comfort food and easy weeknight dinner. When I first tried this recipe, what really got me was how the creamy, flavorful sauce just wraps around fluffy rice and tender chicken – it s like a warm hug on a plate. You’ll find that it works incredibly well for busy evenings when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

What makes this smothered chicken and rice so special is how effortlessly it comes together with simple pantry staples and fresh veggies, yet tastes like you ve been simmering it all day. Plus, it s super versatile – whether you’re feeding a family or craving cozy solo meals, you can tweak it easily and still get that luscious, homey vibe everyone loves.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture – from the spiced-up chicken to the creamy base and fresh veggies. When shopping, look for quality chicken and fresh produce to really make your dish shine.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Slicing these lengthwise helps them cook evenly and quickly.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Buttery Poultry Blend, Cajun Seasoning: These spices create a bold, smoky, and savory crust that’s totally addictive.
• Olive Oil: A good splash for searing that seals in juices and adds flavor.
• Salted Butter: Divided for sautéing vegetables and enriching the sauce.
• Yellow Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Celery: Classic trio adding sweetness, crunch, and freshness.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic really elevates the aroma and depth.
• Water and Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon: Creates a rich base broth; you can swap for chicken broth if you prefer.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy body and that nostalgic comfort food feel.
• Basmati Rice: Its fluffy, separate grains work best here, but jasmine rice is a great alternative.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste for perfect seasoning balance.

Variations

I love how versatile this Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is – feel free to play with it depending on what you have handy and what you re craving. I often throw in extra veggies or try different seasonings when I want a twist.

• Spicy Kick: I add a can of diced green chiles or some jalapeños when I want a little heat – it wakes up the whole dish.
• Meatier Version: My family goes crazy when I sauté some smoked sausage with the veggies; it ups the flavors and heartiness.
• Creamier Texture: Stirring in a splash of heavy cream or some shredded cheese at the end always makes it extra indulgent.
• More Veggies: Tossing in corn, peas, or fresh spinach toward the end adds freshness and color.

How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by slicing each chicken breast in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and faster. I just sprinkle on my spice blend – garlic powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning – until the pieces are well coated. Heat olive oil and half the butter in a deep skillet over medium heat, then sear your chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Don’t rush this step; a good sear locks in flavor and juices. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet and toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Let them soften and sweat for about 5 minutes – this builds the flavor foundation of your sauce. Then stir in minced garlic and cook for just one more minute; be careful not to let it burn since garlic can turn bitter fast.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce and Cook Rice

Next, stir in the chicken bouillon dissolved in water, scraping up those browned bits from the pan because that s pure flavor gold. Mix in the cream of chicken soup until smooth and combined. Now add the rinsed basmati rice and bring everything to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. You ll notice the rice soaking up all that savory sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Finish Cooking

While the rice cooks, you can shred or chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces – I usually shred it with two forks for that perfect tender texture. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, return the chicken to the pan and stir it in to warm through and meld with the sauce. Taste and add salt or pepper if needed before serving.

How to Serve Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top before serving – it adds a nice pop of color and fresh flavor that really brightens the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice sometimes makes it even more vibrant, especially on warmer days.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like roasted or steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or even some sautéed greens. When I want more indulgence, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery cornbread make for a fantastic combo too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I ve served this right out of a rustic cast-iron skillet at the table – it feels cozy and inviting. Another fun idea is to spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers or mini cast iron cocottes for an individual serving that looks restaurant-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where this dish holds up well for about 3 days. It tastes great warmed up, so it s perfect for lunch the next day or a quick dinner.

Freezing

I ve frozen this smothered chicken and rice a few times by letting it cool completely, then portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results – just keep in mind the texture of rice might soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep the rice from drying out. Microwaving works too, just cover the dish and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it combines ease and soul-warming flavor like few other dishes can. I always feel like I m treating my family – or myself – to something that takes care of us, no matter how busy life gets. I really encourage you to give it a try soon; it s exactly the kind of meal you ll want on repeat for its comfort, simplicity, and deliciousness.

Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 110 reviews

• Author: Lucy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American Southern

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts seared to perfection and simmered with aromatic vegetables, creamy soup, and fragrant basmati rice. This hearty dish is easy to prepare, combining bold Cajun spices and rich flavors into a satisfying family-friendly dinner.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), halved lengthwise
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Kinder’s Buttery Poultry Blend, Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning (to generously coat the chicken)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Salted Butter, divided in half

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 Yellow Onion, diced
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, diced
• 1 Rib of Celery, diced
• 7-8 Garlic Cloves, minced

Liquids and Rice

• 1.5 cups Water
• 1 tsp Knorr Chicken Flavored Bouillon (or substitute with 1.5 cups chicken broth)
• 10.5 oz Can of Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 cup Rinsed Basmati Rice (substitute with jasmine rice and adjust liquid and cooking time accordingly)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and generously season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Kinder’s Buttery Poultry Blend, and Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning to ensure full flavor coverage.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked through and nicely browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Add diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery; sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
4. Add Liquids and Soup: Stir in the Knorr chicken bouillon and water, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen browned bits for added flavor. Incorporate the cream of chicken soup, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Cook the Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6. Combine Chicken with Rice: While the rice is cooking, shred or chop the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm alongside your preferred side dishes for a complete meal.

---

Notes

• Variations & Add-Ins: For added heat, include a can of diced green chiles or chopped jalapeños. To add extra protein and flavor, slice and sauté smoked sausage with the vegetables. For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of cheese at the end. Additional vegetables like corn, peas, or spinach can be stirred in at the last moment for more nutrition and color.
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. You can prepare by cooking and shredding the chicken and chopping the vegetables in advance to speed up meal assembly.