Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 63 reviews

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and cooked with aromatic vegetables, creamy sauce, and fragrant basmati rice. This hearty dish combines savory spices, garlic, and a creamy blend of chicken soup and bouillon, simmered until the rice is perfectly tender and infused with rich flavors. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that satisfies the whole family.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), halved lengthwise
  • Garlic powder, as needed
  • Onion powder, as needed
  • Smoked paprika, as needed
  • Kinder’s buttery poultry blend, as needed
  • Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning, as needed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp salted butter

Vegetables and Rice

  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 rib of celery, diced
  • 7-8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 1 tsp Knorr chicken flavored bouillon
  • 10.5 oz can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup rinsed basmati rice
  • 1 tbsp salted butter (remaining half)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Kinder’s buttery poultry blend, and Slap Ya Mama Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and 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 the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Liquids and Soup: Stir in the chicken bouillon and water, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Add the cream of chicken soup and mix until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
  5. Cook Rice: Add the rinsed basmati rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes. Stir the rice once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
  6. Combine Chicken and Rice: While the rice is cooking, shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Once the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine everything evenly.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the smothered chicken and rice and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • Be sure to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
  • Adjust the seasoning for heat and saltiness according to your preference, especially if using different seasoning blends.
  • For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream when adding the cream of chicken soup.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Southern