Indulge in the rich and satisfying flavors of Cheesy Smothered Chicken & Rice Bake, a dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese in every bite. The combination of a savory, garlicky sauce with a hint of paprika creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
This one-pan wonder is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and filling meal ready to enjoy. Serve it straight from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 🍗🧀🍚
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
- 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 1 onion, chopped 🧅
- 3 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup 🍲
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth 🍗
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
- 1 cup long-grain white rice 🍚
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- ½ tsp black pepper 🧂
- ½ tsp salt 🧂
- ½ cup sour cream 🥄
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌿
Directions:
🔸 Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
🔸 Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.
🔸 Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
🔸 Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and sour cream. Stir in the uncooked rice, sautéed onions, and garlic. Pour this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
🔸 Assemble & Bake: Lay the seared chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over everything. Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
🔸 Final Touch: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the rice is tender.
🔸 Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot. This creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish is perfect for a cozy meal! 😋
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings