One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

This One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy seasoned rice, and a savory sauce—all cooked in one skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this meal not only offers convenience but also packs a punch of flavor. It’s an ideal choice for those seeking comfort food that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Convenience: Enjoy minimal cleanup as everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, onion, and spices creates a rich taste that elevates the dish.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your taste.
• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy evenings.

Tools and Preparation

To make this One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Here are some essentials you’ll need.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet or Dutch oven: Provides ample space for searing chicken and cooking rice evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities for the best results.

Ingredients

This One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty, comforting meal made with tender seared chicken, creamy seasoned rice, and a rich smothered sauce—all cooked in one skillet for easy prep and cleanup. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner the whole family will love.

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)

For the Smothered Sauce:

• 1 can (10.5 oz cream of chicken soup)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet, let rest briefly, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. If you’re using mushrooms, add them now and sauté for about 3–4 minutes. Next, stir in the rice, toasting it for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Pour in chicken broth along with cream or milk into the skillet. Stir in the sauce mixture until fully combined. Add diced chicken back to the skillet and nestle it into the rice mixture. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Simmer Together

Reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes or until the rice is tender, chicken is cooked through (165°F), and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 6: Final Touches

Remove from heat and let sit uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot—spoon sauce and rice generously over each serving of chicken.

How to Serve One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

This One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for various serving options that can elevate your dining experience.

Family Style

• Serve in the Skillet: Keep the dish warm by serving directly from the skillet. This encourages family-style dining where everyone can help themselves.
• Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Individual Plates

• Portion Control: Serve individual portions on plates, spooning extra sauce over the chicken and rice for an appealing presentation.
• Add Extra Toppings: Offer toppings like shredded cheese or sliced green onions on the side for guests to customize their plates.

Meal Prep Containers

• Convenient Portions: Divide leftovers into meal prep containers. It makes for quick lunches or easy reheating dinners throughout the week.
• Layered Presentation: Layer chicken, rice, and sauce in the containers for an appetizing look even when ready to eat.

How to Perfect One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

Perfecting this dish ensures that every bite is as delicious as possible. Here are some tips to ensure you achieve outstanding results.

• Bold Seasoning: Use plenty of salt and pepper when seasoning your chicken to enhance its natural flavor.
• Sauté Thoroughly: Make sure to sauté your onions and garlic until they are fragrant. This builds a flavorful base for your dish.
• Use Quality Broth: Opt for high-quality low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.
• Check Rice Consistency: If the rice isn’t tender after cooking, add a little more broth or water, cover, and simmer until it reaches the desired texture.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the dish sit uncovered for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to add seasonal veggies like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition and taste.

Best Side Dishes for One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

While this dish is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with a few side dishes can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green florets steamed until tender add color and nutrients without overshadowing the main dish.
2. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a delightful way to soak up any extra sauce from the chicken and rice.
3. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy rice.
4. Roasted Carrots: Sweet caramelized carrots roasted with herbs make a flavorful side that complements the richness of the chicken.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds texture, balancing out the creaminess of the main dish with its tangy flavor.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn cooked simply in butter brings brightness to your plate, making it a classic choice alongside savory meals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Not properly seasoning the chicken: Failing to season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always use salt and pepper generously before cooking.
• Overcooking the rice: Cooking rice for too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on the simmering time and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can release juices. Let it rest for a few minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Using high heat for simmering: Cooking on high heat can cause liquid to evaporate too quickly. Use low heat to ensure gentle simmering and thorough cooking of the rice.
• Ignoring ingredient swaps: Not considering ingredient alternatives can limit flavor. Feel free to swap in different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow cooling before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice?

One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty meal where chicken is seared, then cooked with creamy rice and a flavorful sauce all in one skillet.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! You can add your favorite vegetables or use different proteins like turkey or lamb to suit your taste.

How do I ensure my rice cooks perfectly?

Make sure you measure your broth accurately and keep an eye on your simmering time. The rice should absorb most of the liquid by the end of cooking.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

This One Pan Smothered Chicken and Rice is not only comforting but also versatile. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s ideal for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with various ingredients according to your family’s preferences!

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