This Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken recipe is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The chicken thighs are smothered in a rich and creamy sauce made from condensed cream of cheddar and herbed chicken soups, along with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. The dish is then baked to perfection and topped with sharp cheddar cheese and bacon bits (optional), resulting in a mouthwatering combination of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially with my husband and little ones. I remember the first time I made it, and how everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bite. The creamy sauce, paired with the tender and juicy chicken thighs, was an instant hit. Now, whenever we have family gatherings, this recipe is always requested, and it never
Why This Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
- The combination of two condensed soups, along with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes, creates a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the chicken and rice.
- The use of sharp cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess and a bold flavor that pairs well with the savory chicken and rice.
- This recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to personal taste preferences, such as adding bacon bits or adjusting the amount of spices used.
- The dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some warm bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 chicken thighs (boneless, preferred)
- 2 cans (10.75 oz. each) condensed cream of cheddar soup
- 1 can (10.75 oz.) condensed cream of herbed chicken soup
- 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, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar soup, condensed herbed chicken soup, milk, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes until fully combined. If desired, stir in the grated cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish, then place the chicken thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with additional grated cheddar cheese or bacon bits, if desired.
- Bake the dish for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes:
- You can use bone-in chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a spicier dish, you can add more red pepper flakes or even some cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Creamy Southern Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
- 6-8 chicken thighs boneless, preferred
- 2 cans 10.75 oz. each condensed cream of cheddar soup
- 1 can 10.75 oz. condensed cream of herbed chicken soup
- 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 for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cheddar soup, condensed herbed chicken soup, milk, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes until fully combined. If desired, stir in the grated cheddar cheese.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish, then place the chicken thighs on top of the rice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is evenly coated. Sprinkle with additional grated cheddar cheese or bacon bits, if desired.
- Bake the dish for 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!