Description
Succulent smothered chicken with rice brings Southern comfort to your dinner table, blending rich, creamy gravy with tender chicken. Hearty flavors and homestyle cooking invite you to savor each comforting, flavorful bite of this classic Southern delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 8 chicken thighs
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
Pantry and Dairy Ingredients:
- 3 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 3 cups instant white or brown rice (prepared)
- olive oil
- salt
- fresh ground pepper
- garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), creating the ideal environment for a succulent chicken dish.
- Prepare instant rice according to package instructions, spreading evenly in a 9×13-inch glass baking dish to create a flavorful base.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, seasoning chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet, letting it sizzle briefly before introducing the chicken skin-side down.
- Brown chicken for approximately 15 minutes per side, developing a golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk cream of mushroom soup with milk, adjusting seasonings and adding a hint of garlic powder for enhanced flavor.
- Incorporate sliced mushrooms and remaining minced garlic into the soup mixture, creating a rich, textured sauce.
- Lightly oil the baking dish with a paper towel to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Gently lay the browned chicken thighs atop the prepared rice, creating a harmonious layer of ingredients.
- Generously pour the mushroom soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to cook thoroughly.
- Remove foil for the final 20 minutes of baking, allowing the top to achieve a golden-brown finish and intensify the dish’s visual appeal.
Notes
- Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika to add unique flavor profiles to the chicken.
- Opt for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup if you’re watching salt intake, and use unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
- Swap chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent drying out.
- Consider adding sautéed bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutritional value and introduce more vegetables to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg