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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, velvety sauce served over perfectly cooked fluffy rice. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dish is adaptable, pleasing picky eaters and food lovers alike, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or family dinners.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)

Rice

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice

Dairy & Broth

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons butter

Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat your chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then brown the chicken until golden on both sides to lock in flavors. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, melt additional butter and add finely chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook gently until soft and fragrant, creating a delicious base for your sauce.
  3. Cook the Rice: Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic, stirring to coat each grain with buttery flavor. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Pour in the cream and sprinkle in thyme and any additional herbs. Cover the skillet and simmer gently over low heat until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 20-25 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
  5. Finish and Serve: Give everything a gentle stir to combine the creamy sauce with the rice and chicken. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra juicy and flavorful results, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
  • Allow rice to cook undisturbed and covered for perfectly fluffy texture.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth after sautéing aromatics to lift browned bits for richer flavor.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more broth or reducing cream to your preference.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce and enhance flavors.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy sauce, one-pan meal