Description
This Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender boneless chicken breasts with creamy, flavorful rice cooked alongside mushrooms, broccoli, and savory aromatics. Finished in the oven for perfection, this comforting one-pan meal is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Liquid
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the smothered chicken and rice dish.
- Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides for about 4-5 minutes each. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add rice: Stir in the long-grain rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors of the sautéed vegetables and aromatics.
- Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
- Combine chicken and rice: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are partially covered with the creamy rice mixture.
- Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness, then serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure the skillet you use is oven-safe before transferring it to the oven.
- If you prefer, substitute broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or peas.
- For a lighter option, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but this will affect the creaminess.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
