Creamy Smothered Chicken with Rice
why make this recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect choice for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious and satisfying without spending too much time in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one, making clean-up a breeze!
how to make Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice
Ingredients:
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds.)
- 1 cup rice (Uncooked.)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (Can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product.)
- 1 medium onion (Diced.)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced.)
- 1 cup frozen peas (Optional.)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley (Fresh or dried for garnish.)
Directions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
how to serve Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice
Serve this dish warm, with creamy chicken and sauce generously poured over a bed of fluffy rice. You can add a side of vegetables or a simple salad to make a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and freshness.
how to store Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice
To store leftovers, place the creamy smothered chicken and rice in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for 1-2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- You can easily customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the cream sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.
variation
You can substitute chicken for other proteins like turkey or pork. Additionally, replace regular rice with brown rice or even quinoa for a healthier option. Experimenting with different herbs can also enhance the flavor according to your preference!
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with any non-dairy cream or milk alternative.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
A: Yes! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Just cook them with the onions and garlic.
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A comforting dish with tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce served over rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the creamy sauce. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the chicken and blend the flavors.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. You can customize the dish by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer to reduce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken, rice, creamy, weeknight dinner, comfort food
