Smothered Chicken and Rice (Printable Version)

Savory chicken baked atop brown rice with mushrooms in a creamy, flavorful sauce for a hearty dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken and Seasoning

01 - 4 skin-on bone-in chicken thighs
02 - ½ teaspoon mustard powder
03 - ½ teaspoon paprika
04 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
05 - Salt to taste
06 - Black pepper to taste
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

→ Rice and Vegetables

08 - 2 cups uncooked minute brown rice
09 - ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
10 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
11 - 2 cups sliced mushrooms

→ Soup Mixture

12 - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
13 - 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
14 - 1 cup milk
15 - 2 tablespoons dry parsley

→ Other

16 - Non-stick cooking spray
17 - Salt to taste
18 - Black pepper to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Generously season both sides of the chicken thighs with mustard powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to establish a flavorful base.
02 - Prepare the brown rice according to package directions by microwave or stovetop. Set aside when cooked.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4 minutes until golden, then flip and brown the opposite side for another 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate to rest.
04 - Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
05 - Lightly coat the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Spread the cooked brown rice evenly as the base layer.
06 - Arrange the browned chicken thighs evenly atop the rice layer in the casserole dish.
07 - In a large bowl, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sliced mushrooms, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend.
08 - Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle dry parsley on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 45 minutes.
09 - Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, the sauce thickens, and the surface is lightly browned.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For best results, allow the chicken to rest after browning to retain juices and enhance tenderness.