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Creamy Smothered Southern-Style Chicken with Cheddar and Bacon

Indulgent Creamy Smothered Southern-Style Chicken with Cheddar and Bacon

This Creamy Smothered Southern-Style Chicken with Cheddar and Bacon transforms chicken thighs into a cheesy, bacon-topped delight, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds Chicken Thighs Swap for chicken breasts if preferred.
For the Rice Base
  • 2 cups Cooked Rice Use instant rice if short on time.
For the Cheesy Sauce
  • 1 can Cream of Cheddar Soup Consider a homemade version for freshness.
  • 1 can Cream of Herbed Chicken Soup Replace with a homemade creamy herbal mix.
  • 1 cup Milk Substituting with chicken broth lightens the sauce.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic enhances flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion is an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Use regular paprika for less intensity.
  • ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Try different cheeses for variations.
  • 1 cup Bacon Bits Omit or substitute with turkey bacon.
  • ¼ cup Parsley/Green Onions For garnish.

Equipment

  • oven
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of cheddar soup, cream of herbed chicken soup, and milk until smooth.
  3. Add minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture and stir well.
  4. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and layer the cooked rice across the bottom.
  5. Place the chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up.
  6. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and rice, ensuring it covers everything evenly.
  7. Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese and bacon bits over the top.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  9. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Taste the sauce before pouring for perfect flavor. Keep chicken thighs tender by avoiding overcooking.

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