Dinner

Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

ByZoe Lane December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Introduction

This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe offers a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a savory mushroom sauce and served over fluffy rice, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

A shallow white bowl holds a dish of white rice topped with creamy chicken curry. The rice forms a fluffy base layer with small, separate grains visible. The creamy curry sits on top, thick and smooth, covering most of the rice with a pale orange-yellow color. Pieces of golden brown chicken are scattered on the curry, some with browned edges, giving a slight crispy look. Fresh green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the dish, adding a bright green contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
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 soy sauce (low sodium)
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Step 3: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 4: In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, soy sauce, paprika, and thyme until well combined.
Step 5: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Serve the smothered chicken over cooked rice and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onions and garlic.
Use brown rice for a nuttier texture and added fiber.
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Leftover smothered chicken is great shredded and used in wraps or salads.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white bowl filled with plain white rice on the bottom layer, with pieces of cooked chicken in a creamy, light orange sauce covering the rice on top. The sauce looks thick and smooth, with some browned spots on the chicken pieces. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled over the chicken for a fresh touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts. They may require a slightly longer cooking time and will offer a juicier, more flavorful result.