Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

There are few things in life as comforting as a steaming plate of creamy smothered chicken and rice. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken enveloped in rich, velvety sauce poured over fluffy rice—utter bliss! This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your soul during those chilly evenings or when you need a hug in food form.

I remember the first time I made this dish; I was trying to impress my date with my culinary skills. Let’s just say it worked—he ended up asking for seconds and even thirds! Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this creamy delight is sure to create lasting memories at your table.

One evening after a long day at work, I whipped up this dish and received rave reviews from my family. They said it tasted like love on a plate!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose about 3-4 breasts for juicy results; adjust based on your crowd size.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for an aromatic kick that complements the creaminess perfectly.
• Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent to bring out its best flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish better.
• Heavy Cream: This is the magic ingredient that gives our dish its dreamy texture; don’t skimp on quality!
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works beautifully here; it absorbs flavors while remaining tender.
• Olive Oil: A splash helps to brown the chicken nicely before adding other ingredients.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Keep it simple—these staples elevate the flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle adds color and freshness at serving time if you’re feeling fancy!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients together. Chop the onion and garlic finely so they blend seamlessly into your sauce.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add diced onion and cook until soft—about five minutes—then toss in minced garlic until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken: Season boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the skillet and brown on both sides for about 6-7 minutes each until golden brown.

Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet with a lid; let it cook for about 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through.

Create That Creamy Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and add heavy cream to the broth mixture. Stir well until combined—let it simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened slightly.

Combine with Rice: Add cooked rice directly into the skillet with sauce. Nestle the chicken back into this delicious mixture ensuring every piece gets coated!

Enjoy this beautiful dish paired with a side salad or crusty bread if desired!

Now you’re ready to serve up some hugs on plates with this delightful creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself after a long day, you can’t go wrong here. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then sauté the veggies while rice cooks. This sequence helps everything meld together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. Different spices can elevate the dish to your liking.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain creaminess.

Creating this creamy smothered chicken and rice was a game changer at my family gatherings. My cousin declared it “the best thing ever”—now I make it at every chance!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but adjust cooking time; brown rice takes longer to cook through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for some extra heat.

Is there a vegetarian version of creamy smothered chicken?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian option.

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic.
2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft; then add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Brown in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
4. Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
5. Create the creamy sauce: Remove the chicken and stir heavy cream into the broth mixture; simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Combine with rice: Stir in cooked rice and nestle the chicken back into the skillet to coat with sauce.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg