Description
Cozy Southern-inspired one-pan meal with golden-seared chicken simmered in creamy sauce with vegetables and tender rice. Hearty, flavorful, and comforting perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1–1.5 lbs), halved lengthwise
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning (to coat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 rib celery, diced
- 7–8 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (skip if using broth)
- 1 (10.5-oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup rinsed basmati rice (or jasmine; add ½–1 cup extra liquid if jasmine)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry; coat both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked). Remove.
- Melt remaining butter in skillet. Cook onion, bell pepper, and celery 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic 30 seconds.
- Add broth or water and bouillon. Stir in cream of chicken soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in rinsed rice; spread evenly. Nestle seared chicken on top, partially submerged.
- Cover; simmer on low 20–25 minutes (30 minutes for jasmine) until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally; add broth if needed.
- Adjust seasoning. Serve topped with creamy rice and vegetables. Garnish with parsley or green onions.
Notes
Rinse rice to remove excess starch.
Keep heat low to prevent sauce scorching.
Add broth if sauce reduces too quickly.
For richer texture, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream before serving.
Reheat with broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: smothered chicken and rice, creamy chicken rice skillet, southern comfort food, one pan chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe