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
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
- 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.
- Season the chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Sear the seasoned chicken in the bacon drippings for 3-4 minutes per side until a rich golden-brown crust develops, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until they become fragrant and slightly softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
- Layer the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the rice.
- Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice, and scatter the crispy bacon pieces around the chicken.
- 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.
- Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of cooking to allow the chicken to brown slightly and develop a crispy top.
- 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