Description
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, one-pan dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts baked atop a creamy mixture of sautéed bell peppers, onions, long grain rice, and flavorful broth. Easy to prepare and rich in flavor, it’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
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
- 1 tbsp cooking oil (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Preheat and season chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Sauté vegetables. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add rice and broth. Stir the long grain rice into the skillet with the vegetables so it gets coated with the oil and flavors. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add cream and arrange chicken. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and garlic powder. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture evenly.
- Bake covered. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
- Finish and serve. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven, uncover, and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve the smothered chicken and creamy rice warm.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to transition directly from stovetop to oven with minimal cleanup.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter dish but expect slightly less creaminess.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
