If you’re looking for an easy, comforting meal that the whole family will devour, you’re in for a treat with this Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe. Picture this: tender chicken on a bed of creamy, cheesy rice that’s topped with crispy, smoky bacon. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Whether you’re a busy parent or just someone who loves a good casserole, this recipe is an absolute must-try. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Irresistible Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe – Perfect Comfort Food! Recipe
Let’s talk about comfort food, shall we? Smothered Chicken and Rice is that kind of dish that makes you feel cozy after just one bite. It’s a classic American casserole that’s all about combining simple ingredients in the best way possible. This particular recipe is a standout because it layers hearty rice, juicy chicken, and gooey cheese, all topped with everyone’s favorite: crispy bacon. Whether you’re pulling this together for a family dinner, a neighbor in need, or your own personal ‘treat yourself’ night, this casserole has that magical ability to make everything feel right with the world. And hey, with only 10 minutes of prep time, you can go from pantry to plate before you know it!Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty one-dish meal that satisfies everyone
- Family-friendly recipe with cheesy goodness
- Quick to prepare – only 35 minutes total time
- Features comforting flavors of chicken, bacon, and creamy rice
- Customizable with your favorite veggies like broccoli or mushrooms
- Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders: You can swap with chopped chicken breasts or thighs.
- ½ tsp seasoned salt: Feel free to use garlic salt or regular salt as a substitute.
- 2 cups cooked rice: You can use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Use Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery for a different flavor profile.
- 1¼ cups milk: Almond or oat milk works as a dairy-free substitute.
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Try Monterey Jack or even gouda for a twist.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: If you prefer, use Colby or pepper jack cheese.
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and chopped): Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon also tastes great!
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Preheat oven to 375ºF and coat a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Spread cooked rice evenly in the pan, then layer seasoned chicken tenders on top.
- Mix cream of chicken soup and milk together, then pour over chicken.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes at 375ºF.
- Top with mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, then sprinkle chopped bacon on top.
- Bake an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese bubbles and chicken is 165ºF inside.
- Serve warm and enjoy your hearty, cheesy casserole!
Expert Tips for Success
Cook your rice ahead of time for a faster prep.
Don’t skip seasoning the chicken—it adds depth to the dish.
Use fresh-grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure doneness.
Add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Variations and Customizations
Want to make it a veggie-packed meal? Toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms before baking. For a spicier kick, try using pepper jack cheese or sprinkling red pepper flakes on top. If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap the rice for cauliflower rice and use turkey bacon. You can even turn this into a make-ahead freezer meal—just assemble and freeze, then bake when you’re ready!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of our Smothered Chicken and Rice contains about 480 calories. It’s got a nice balance with 35g of protein, 40g of carbohydrates, and 20g of fat. The dish includes plenty of calcium from the cheese and a decent dose of potassium. To reduce the sodium content, you can opt for low-sodium cream of chicken soup. It’s comforting and filling without being overindulgent!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it in the oven at 350ºF until warm. If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze individual portions for up to a month. Make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Card of Irresistible Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe – Perfect Comfort Food!
Ingredients list
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken tenders
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
- 1¼ cups milk
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF. Lightly coat a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Spread your cooked rice evenly across the base of the prepared pan. Arrange the chicken tenders on top of the rice and season the chicken with the seasoned salt for that burst of flavor.
- Combine the cream of chicken soup with the milk until well mixed. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and top the chicken with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the top. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice them thin so they cook evenly.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Try cream of mushroom or make your own homemade version.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
Steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad are great complements.
Can this be frozen?
Yes, just assemble it without baking, freeze, and bake when needed.