Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a creamy mushroom rice base, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if substitutions are made)
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½–2 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (not instant)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or chives) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat. When hot, add chicken and brown 3–4 minutes per side until golden. You don’t need to cook through. Remove chicken to a plate.
- Add the diced onion in the same skillet and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, coating grains in the onion mixture for a minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of cream of mushroom soup. Stir until the soup dissolves into the liquid and creates a mostly smooth sauce. Taste and adjust salt/pepper as needed.
- Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning a little liquid over them. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 20–25 minutes, covered, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If using broccoli, stir it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking and re-cover the pan to steam.
- Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
Always verify chicken is fully cooked with an instant-read thermometer — 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Find it online: https://www.mealbreeze.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice/