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There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, and Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice does exactly that. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious, flavorful sauce, nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice a meal that feels like a cozy hug after a long day. This recipe is perfect for those who want a hearty, fulfilling meal that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
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Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A comforting and creamy smothered chicken served over fluffy rice, perfect for a hearty meal.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden.
3. Remove chicken; melt butter in the same pan and sauté diced onions until translucent.
4. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, then add heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes; add cornstarch slurry for thickness if desired.
7. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
8. Cook rice in boiling water or broth, cover, and simmer 15 minutes; then let it sit covered for 5 more minutes.
9. Return chicken to the pan, nestle it into sauce, cover, and simmer 10-15 minutes until cooked.
10. Serve rice topped with smothered chicken and extra sauce, garnish with parsley.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
Searing chicken locks in flavor and moisture.
Rinse rice to keep it fluffy.
Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this creamy, flavorful dish, gather these ingredients:
For the Chicken
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs or breasts | 2 lbs |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Small onion, diced | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 1 teaspoon (mixed with 1 tablespoon water) |
For the Rice
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water or chicken broth | 3 cups |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This seasoning layer is vital for building the savory depth. Heat olive oil over medium-high in a large skillet and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside; the chicken will finish cooking later in the sauce.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter and add diced onions. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. The combination of garlic and onions creates a delicious base aroma.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up all the delicious browned bits. Add heavy cream, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes. For a thicker consistency, stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until slightly thickened.
Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until clear to remove excess starch for fluffy rice. Boil the water or broth, add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let the rice steam covered off the heat for another 5 minutes before fluffing.
Smother the Chicken
Nestle the seared chicken back into the creamy sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve a generous helping of rice on each plate. Top with the smothered chicken and spoon extra creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
- Using chicken thighs adds juiciness due to higher fat content, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Searing the chicken builds flavor and locks in moisture.
- Rinsing rice before cooking helps prevent it from becoming sticky.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your broth and cream.
- The sauce thickens beautifully with cornstarch but can be left a bit thinner for more gravy.
Conclusion
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction with every bite. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight meal yet rich enough to impress guests. This cozy dish invites you to slow down, savor the creamy, hearty flavors, and make mealtime a moment to cherish.