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Smothered Chicken With Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 c instant white or brown rice (prepared)
• olive oil
• salt
• fresh ground pepper
• 8 chicken thighs
• 3 tsp minced garlic, divided
• 3 cans cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz each)
• 1 1/2 c milk
• garlic powder
• 2 c fresh sliced mushrooms

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Get the Rice Ready
   Begin by setting your oven to a toasty 350°F. While it warms up, go ahead and cook the rice according to the package directions for enough to cover the bottom of a deep 9x13-inch glass baking dish. Once done, set the prepared rice aside as it will form the comforting base of our dish.

2. Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken Thighs
   In your trusty skillet, heat just enough olive oil to slick the bottom. With a little drizzle of olive oil, coat the chicken thighs on both sides. Generously season the chicken with salt, fresh ground pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. When the oil shimmers with heat, lower the flame to medium. Toss in 2 teaspoons of minced garlic and let it dance in the oil for about a minute before adding the chicken skin-side down. Allow each side to brown nicely, about 15 minutes per side, until they’re a crispy, golden brown.

3. Step 3: Whip Up the Mushroom Sauce
   While your chicken is busy getting that delicious color, grab a bowl and whisk together the cream of mushroom soup with 1 1/2 cups of milk. Season this creamy mixture with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. This is your chance to taste and tweak—it should be savory and smooth, just right for smothering.

4. Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Garlic to the Sauce
   Now, let’s bring in some more flavors. Fold in the remaining teaspoon of minced garlic along with the fresh sliced mushrooms into your soup mix. This will add an earthy depth to your smothering sauce, perfect for the chicken to soak up.

5. Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish
   With a small amount of olive oil, lightly brush the bottom and sides of your baking dish using a paper towel. This helps prevent any sticking and makes serving a breeze later on.

6. Step 6: Assemble the Dish
   Spread your cooked rice evenly across the base of the prepared baking dish. It’s going to soak up all those delicious juices, so make sure it’s spread out nicely.

7. Step 7: Layer the Chicken Over the Rice
   Nestle those beautifully browned chicken thighs on top of the rice layer. They should fit snugly, each piece ready to soak up the goodness to come.

8. Step 8: Pour Over the Sauce
   Pour the mushroom sauce, making sure to cover the chicken completely. This is where the smothering truly happens, so be generous to ensure every bite of chicken gets a taste.

9. Step 9: Bake Until Perfection
   Cover your dish with foil, allowing it to bake undisturbed for about 45 to 50 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let it bake uncovered for another 20 minutes. This will give the top a lovely finish while ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

10. Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
    Once baked, let the dish sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. This pause allows the flavors to meld perfectly. Then, dig in and enjoy the cozy, comforting goodness of your homemade smothered chicken with rice. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and the dish will surely impress with its hearty, flavorful layers.

Notes

Creating a delightful smothered chicken with rice dish can sometimes trip up even the most seasoned cooks. One common hiccup is not browning the chicken properly. Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the thighs, as this gives them that irresistible golden crust.

Another pitfall is an overly thick or thin mushroom sauce. Pay attention to the consistency when whisking the soup and milk. It should be just creamy enough to envelop the chicken without drowning it.

Lastly, don’t rush the baking. The foil-covered time ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, while uncovering it at the end gives everything a nice finish. Remember, patience is your friend in this dish!

Keywords: Braised Chicken with Rice, Chicken in Gravy over Rice, Chicken and Rice Dish, Saucy Chicken with Rice, Rice and Chicken Casserole.