Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken

You know those dishes that are just comforting? You know, the ones that are warm and bubbly, filling, taste amazing and just make you feel good? Well, we’ve got one of those for you today. Southern smothered chicken. That’s right, this is a good ol’ fashioned chicken and rice recipe, but this one’s been reinvented a bit to have maximum flavor. Trust us, you’ll love it. Using condensed soup as the base of what makes our chicken “smothered chicken,” we added plenty more seasoning to make sure that we ended up with a nice, round depth of flavor, then layered our chicken thighs – so, so flavorful and amazing in this recipe – over a bed of rice, topping it with this sauce.

Everything bakes together to absolute perfection, and you’re left with a dinner that everyone will love, that you can turn to anytime. While you’re welcome to use any condensed soup you like (mushroom would be really good too), we like using the cream of cheddar and cream of herbed chicken to bring extra cheesiness and more herby goodness to the dish. Cooking the chicken like this, smothered in a thick and creamy sauce, means your chicken is moist and cooked perfectly every time, plus all the juices and flavors drip down into the rice, so you’ve got an amazing side dish basically baked into your main course. Win-win!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken is the epitome of comfort food. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines juicy chicken thighs with a creamy, cheesy sauce that infuses every grain of rice with flavor. It’s easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Oven
• Non-stick spray

Ingredients

• 6-8 chicken thighs (boneless, preferred)
• 2 (10.75 oz.) cans condensed cream of cheddar soup
• 1 (10.75 oz.) can condensed cream of herbed chicken
• 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Bacon bits, garnish, optional

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine cheddar and herbed chicken soups and whole milk and whisk until combined. Then whisk in garlic, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Optional: stir in cheddar cheese if you don’t want to top the casserole with it later.
3. Spread cooked rice out on the bottom of the greased baking dish, then top with chicken thighs. Season liberally with salt and pepper.
4. Pour soup mixture over chicken and rice, making sure everything is evenly coated. Then top with cheddar cheese (if you didn’t already stir it into the sauce) or bacon bits, if using.
5. Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove from oven and serve hot.

Tips for Success

Make sure to season the chicken thighs well before baking to enhance their flavor. If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk slightly. For a crispy top, you can broil the dish for a few minutes after baking.

Additional Tips or Variations

Feel free to experiment with different types of condensed soups to vary the flavor profile. Adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach can also give the dish an extra twist. If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This recipe is rich in protein and calcium thanks to the chicken and cheese. It also provides a good amount of carbohydrates from the rice, making it a balanced meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they may cook faster, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in the oven straight from the fridge.

Is there a dairy-free version?
While this recipe is centered around creamy, cheesy flavors, you could try using coconut milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though the taste will differ.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, delicious meal that will have your family asking for seconds, this Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken is a must-try. It’s a delightful marriage of flavors and textures that will quickly become a household favorite. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out for you!