Savory Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe: Cozy Family Favorite

Craving a hearty southern smothered chicken and rice dish that promises comfort in every bite?

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as tender chicken slowly simmers in a rich, velvety gravy.

Layers of flavor develop through carefully selected spices and slow-cooking techniques.

Home cooks adore this classic southern staple for its soul-warming qualities and simple ingredients.

Each forkful brings together succulent meat and perfectly seasoned rice in a harmonious blend.

Generations have passed down this recipe, celebrating both tradition and deliciousness.

You won’t want to miss creating this mouthwatering meal that connects you to deep culinary roots.

Why Smothered Chicken And Rice Is So Hearty

• Savor Quick Comfort: This one-pan chicken dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Tackle Complex Flavors: Layer rich ingredients like bacon drippings, cream, and herbs create a gourmet-style meal without professional cooking skills.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Combines protein, rice, and vegetables in a single satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making dinner time stress-free.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like peppers or swap chicken with another protein to match family preferences without changing core cooking technique.

Everything Needed For Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for this hearty one-pan meal.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element that provides depth of flavor and extra richness to the dish.

• Onions, Bell Peppers, Garlic: A classic flavor base that creates a fragrant and savory foundation for the recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and enhances the overall flavor of the rice and chicken.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture for the rice.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Thyme, Paprika: A blend of seasonings that adds complexity and depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Used for greasing the baking dish and preventing sticking.

How To Cook Smothered Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Warm the oven to 375°F and get a large baking dish ready by coating it with a light layer of olive oil.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until it turns golden and releases its delicious fat. Transfer the crispy strips to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Thyme
• Paprika

Ensure every inch of the chicken gets some love from the seasonings.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Drop the seasoned chicken into the bacon drippings. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a gorgeous golden-brown crust forms. Set the chicken aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Veggies

• Diced onions
• Bell peppers
• Minced garlic

Sauté until they become fragrant and slightly soft, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 6: Create the Rice Base

Spread uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream over the rice.

Step 7: Arrange the Proteins

Place the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces around the chicken.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Step 9: Crisp the Top

Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let the chicken brown and develop a crispy top layer.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve piping hot, spooning the creamy rice and pan juices around the chicken.

Tips That Help With Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Optimize Bacon Rendering: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, allowing the drippings to create a rich base for searing chicken.
• Manage Seasoning Technique: Pat chicken dry before adding spices to ensure better adherence and more intense flavor development during searing.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Gently stir rice with broth and cream before adding chicken to create an even, smooth base that prevents burning or uneven cooking.
• Control Moisture Balance: Cover dish with foil to trap steam and keep chicken moist, then uncover briefly to achieve a golden, slightly crispy exterior.
• Enhance Resting Period: Allow the dish to sit for 5-7 minutes after baking, which helps redistribute juices and ensures tender, succulent chicken and perfectly absorbed rice.

Tasty Ways To Change Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Version: Replace traditional rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb alternative, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method while reducing overall carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintaining the same seasonings and cooking technique.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and swap bacon for turkey bacon or crispy mushroom bacon bits to create a dairy-free and lighter version of the original recipe.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Incorporate oregano, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap paprika for smoked paprika, adding kalamata olives and feta cheese crumbles for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Best Sides With Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay
• A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy rice and rich bacon, balancing the dish's savory depth with its smooth, oak-aged profile. The wine's slight acidity cuts through the heavy cream, creating a harmonious taste experience.
• Complementary Side Salad: Bright Arugula
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a fresh, peppery contrast against the hearty chicken and rice. The crisp greens will cleanse the palate between rich bites, adding a zesty counterpoint to the creamy main course.
• Wine Alternative: Pinot Noir
• Select a light-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle earthy notes that will elevate the thyme and paprika seasonings.

How To Store Smothered Chicken And Rice The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Carefully transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Frozen leftovers maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of chicken broth to prevent dryness, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.

Questions About Smothered Chicken And Rice Answered

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe uses mild spices like paprika and thyme, which add flavor without significant heat. If you want more spice, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Increase broth by 1/4 cup and extend baking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure rice becomes tender.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking and easier preparation. Chicken thighs can be substituted if you prefer more flavor and moisture.

Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Soulful Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible Smothered Chicken and Rice dish, brimming with rich, hearty flavors. Creamy gravy and tender chicken nestle over fluffy rice, promising a delicious journey through classic Southern cuisine you won’t want to miss.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1/2 lb bacon

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 large onion
• 2 bell peppers
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt

Rice and Liquid Components:

• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Crisp the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.
3. Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
4. Sear the seasoned chicken in the bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, then set aside.
5. In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become fragrant and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
6. Layer the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the rice.
7. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice, and scatter the crispy bacon pieces around the chicken.
8. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
9. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken to brown slightly and develop a crispy top.
10. Let the dish rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve hot, spooning the creamy rice and pan juices around the chicken.

Notes

• Bacon Magic: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and deeper flavor that will elevate the entire dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture and richness.
• Spice Customization: Adjust paprika and thyme levels to match personal heat preferences, adding cayenne for extra kick or reducing for milder palates.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare all components in advance, assemble just before baking, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg