Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with rice, making it a perfect dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3–4 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, then pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a simmer.
- Nestle the chicken into the rice mixture. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover for a few minutes until melted.
- Top with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg