Description
This comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seared chicken breasts baked in a creamy mushroom sauce infused with garlic, onions, and aromatic herbs. Served over a bed of cooked rice, this dish offers a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
Aromatics and Sauce
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Season and sear chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown to lock in flavors.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This builds flavor for the sauce.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, paprika, and dried thyme until well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy mushroom sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake until cooked through: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Remove from oven, discard foil, and serve the smothered chicken hot over a bed of cooked white or brown rice. Enjoy your hearty and flavorful meal!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness accurately ensuring food safety.
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- For a lower sodium version, reduce or omit soy sauce and use low-sodium broth.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
