This Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with tender chicken thighs and fluffy rice, this dish is a family favorite that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This chicken stirfry easy recipe is ideal when you’re craving a warm, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Combining the rich flavors of homemade gravy and perfectly seasoned chicken, this one-pot wonder will become your go-to comfort food. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers an effortless way to bring a comforting and hearty dish to your dinner table. Also great if you’re on the hunt for easy recipes ninja creami, cheesey potatoes easy recipe, butter swim biscuits easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, air fryer cookies easy recipes, or food receipt easy recipes.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
3) Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice
4) How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice
5) Tips for Making Smothered Chicken and Rice
6) Making Smothered Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Smothered Chicken and Rice
8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!
9) Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

A hearty and easy comfort food perfect for busy weeknights.
Main ingredients include chicken thighs, rice, broth, and cream of chicken soup.
Great one-pot recipe with minimal cleanup required.
Ideal for make-ahead meal prep or quick family dinners.

2) Easy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a warm, hearty dish like Smothered Chicken and Rice. It’s a classic comfort food that’s not only full of flavor but also surprisingly simple to prepare. This chicken stirfry easy recipe is ideal for those nights when you want a cozy, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Elena from Elena Cooks brings you a version that packs in flavor, warmth, and nourishment all in one dish. The juicy chicken thighs are seasoned perfectly and nestled into a bed of creamy rice, all simmered together in a single oven-safe skillet. This easy recipes for dinner favorite is ideal for new cooks, families, and anyone craving a meal that hits the spot. The best part? It’s all made in one pot, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. If you’re looking for chicken stirfry easy recipe options, this one checks all the boxes and more.

3) Ingredients for Smothered Chicken and Rice

Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are the star of this recipe. They bring incredible flavor, and the skin crisps up beautifully when seared. If you prefer boneless thighs or even chicken breasts, those can work too, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and starting the cooking process. Olive oil brings a depth of flavor while helping to brown the chicken perfectly and crisp the skin.

Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika: These three simple spices bring layers of flavor to the dish. Garlic powder adds a mild zing, onion powder deepens the flavor, and paprika offers color and mild heat.

Salt and Pepper: The basics that should never be underestimated. Proper seasoning is key to unlocking the bold, savory flavor of the chicken and rice.

Long-Grain White Rice: This rice cooks beautifully in the oven, absorbing the flavors of the broth and soup while remaining fluffy and tender. It’s essential not to use quick-cooking rice, as it may become mushy.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple provides a rich, creamy base for the rice. It’s a shortcut that brings comfort and depth without having to prepare a roux or gravy from scratch.

Chicken Broth: Used to cook the rice and add moisture, chicken broth enhances the savory elements of the dish. Opt for low-sodium if you prefer more control over the seasoning.

Chopped Onion: The onion softens as it cooks and melds into the rice, creating a subtle sweetness that balances out the richness of the soup and the savoriness of the chicken.

Butter: Just a tablespoon is all you need to sauté the onions and enhance the richness of the overall flavor. Butter adds a home-cooked warmth that’s hard to beat.

4) How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures your oven is at the right temperature to evenly cook the chicken and rice together without drying them out.

Step 2: Season the chicken thighs on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the seasoning is well-distributed for the most flavorful result. Let it sit for a few minutes while preparing your skillet.

Step 3: In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear them for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the rice.

Step 5: Stir in the rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated and submerged. This step brings together the creamy, comforting base of the dish and makes it a great option if you’re looking for food receipt easy recipes.

Step 6: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.

5) Tips for Making Smothered Chicken and Rice

To make this dish stand out even more, start by letting your chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before searing. This helps it cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust. When searing, avoid moving the chicken around—let it sit undisturbed for the best color and flavor. Always choose long-grain white rice, as short or quick-cooking rice may break down too quickly during baking. For a creamier texture, consider mixing in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream just before serving. Another great trick is to broil the uncovered dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, which helps crisp up the chicken skin and add some texture to the top layer of rice. If you love cheesey potatoes easy recipe dishes, try sprinkling a bit of shredded cheddar on top before the final bake.

6) Making Smothered Chicken and Rice Ahead of Time

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping or getting dinner ready in advance. You can easily prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, allow the skillet to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven. If you need a dish that’s as versatile as those found in easy recipes ninja creami, this one fits the bill. Alternatively, bake the dish fully, then store it in the fridge in an airtight container. To reheat, add a splash of broth and cover the skillet with foil before warming it in the oven at 325°F until heated through. It’s a great go-to option for busy weeknights or hosting company on short notice.

7) Storing Leftover Smothered Chicken and Rice

Storing this dish is incredibly simple. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave or oven-safe dish with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the rice. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat in the oven at 325°F until hot. This dish also freezes well—just be sure to use freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and consume within 2 months for best quality. Having a portion of this easy dinner recipe in your freezer means a quick, hearty meal is always within reach!

8) Try these Chicken Recipes next!

9) Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe