Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy, one-pan comfort dish featuring seared chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and rice cooked in chicken broth. It's hearty, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lb)
1 cup rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative)
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried, for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, then cook according to package directions using chicken broth instead of water. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Add them to the skillet and cook each side for 5–6 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the pan contents. Let it gently simmer.
- If using peas, stir them into the sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve the creamy chicken over the cooked rice and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for a more tender result.
Use half-and-half or dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use smoked paprika.
Top with crispy fried onions for texture and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
