Description
A hearty and comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked with creamy rice, mushrooms, broccoli, and savory aromatics, perfect for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the final dish.
- Brown 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 4-5 minutes each until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms and broccoli florets to the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add Rice: Stir in the long-grain rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors from the vegetables and aromatics.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Rice: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are covered with the rice mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful smothered chicken and rice!
Notes
- If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish before baking.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or peas for variety.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
