Creamy smothered chicken and rice garnished with herbs on a plate

Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish perfect for family dinners. It’s simple to make and full of flavor. The creamy sauce and tender chicken pair wonderfully with rice, making it a satisfying meal for any night. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, which means less clean-up for you!

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. 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).
  5. 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.
  6. If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  7. 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.
  8. Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

how to serve Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Serve this delicious creamy smothered chicken on a bed of the flavorful rice you cooked in chicken broth. You can garnish it with fresh or dried parsley. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.

how to store Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

tips to make Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

  • Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch.
  • For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer after adding the heavy cream.

variation

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the dish for extra nutrition. If you prefer, you can also use different types of meat, such as turkey or even shrimp.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time and use more chicken broth as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat everything before serving and cook the rice fresh to enjoy its texture.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy smothered chicken and rice. Just store it in freezer-safe containers. It can be kept for about 2-3 months. Reheat it slowly when you’re ready to eat!