Description
This Creamy Smothered Southern Style Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken thighs baked in a rich, cheesy sauce served over a bed of fluffy rice. Loaded with sharp cheddar, flavorful spices, and topped with crispy bacon bits, this recipe brings classic Southern flavors to your dinner table with ease.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Rice
- 6 to 8 Chicken Thighs, preferably boneless and skinless
- 3 cups Rice, Brown or white, cooked
Sauce
- 2 cans Cream of Cheddar Soup
- 1 can Cream of Herbed Chicken Soup
- 1 1/2 cups Milk, 2% or whole
- 5 Garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated or shredded
- Bacon Bits to use as Garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of herbed chicken soup, cream of cheddar soup, and milk until smooth. Add the freshly minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk again to combine all the flavors thoroughly.
- Layer Rice and Chicken: Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the rice in a single layer.
- Add Sauce and Toppings: Pour the prepared soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice, ensuring everything is well coated. Sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then scatter the bacon bits as a flavorful garnish.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the creamy smothered chicken hot, making sure to scoop up plenty of the cheesy sauce and rice for a complete, satisfying meal. Enjoy your Southern-style comfort food!
Notes
- For extra crispness, you can broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to brown the cheese slightly but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best for even cooking and tenderness, but bone-in can be used with longer cooking time.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference, starting with less if you prefer mild heat.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
- Substitute sharp cheddar with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for different flavor profiles.
