Smothered Chicken and Rice

When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? Perhaps a warm quilt on a chilly evening or the sound of laughter echoing around a dinner table filled with family. Now imagine a plate filled with creamy smothered chicken and rice—rich, velvety sauce hugging tender chicken pieces like an old friend. The aroma wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather ‘round.

This dish isn’t just about sustenance; it’s a hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this for my friends—a chaotic dinner party with an enthusiastic playlist blasting in the background. The moment they took their first bite, their eyes widened with delight. It was as if they had stumbled upon a hidden treasure in my kitchen!

I once whipped up this delightful dish on a rainy Sunday afternoon, and it brought smiles all around. Everyone raved about it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your hungry crowd.
• Rice: Long-grain white or brown rice works best; choose based on your preference for texture.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness while enhancing flavor.
• Heavy Cream: This adds that luscious creaminess that makes the dish so comforting.
• Onions: Use yellow onions for sweetness; sauté until translucent and aromatic.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme or parsley adds freshness; sprinkle generously before serving.
• Salt & Pepper: Season well to bring out all those wonderful flavors throughout!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Workspace: Gather all ingredients and tools—your chopping board, knife, measuring cups, and non-stick skillet should be ready for action.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: In your skillet over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil. Add diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant—about 3-4 minutes—watching them turn translucent.

Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side should do.

Add Rice and Broth: Pour in your choice of rice along with chicken broth; stir everything together while bringing it to a simmer. The smell should start making your mouth water!

Add Heavy Cream: Lower heat then add heavy cream into the skillet. Mix gently until everything combines beautifully into that dreamy sauce you’ve been anticipating.

Simmer Until Cooked Through: Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid—stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Enjoy this delicious journey of cooking creamy smothered chicken and rice—a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until it’s golden brown, then prepare the creamy sauce while the rice cooks for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also swap in different seasonings based on your taste preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

The first time I made creamy smothered chicken and rice, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me realize just how comforting this dish can be during gatherings.

FAQ

What can I use instead of chicken?

Try substituting with turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day prior and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I adjust seasoning for dietary needs?

Feel free to reduce salt or use low-sodium broth to meet dietary restrictions.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delightful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy rice—perfect for cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (680g)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (185g)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (480ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on each side, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
3. Stir in rice and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
4. Lower heat and add heavy cream; mix gently until combined.
5. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice absorbs most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: One-pot cooking
• Cuisine: Comfort food

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 155mg