DINNER

Irresistible Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

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I can still remember the first time I tasted creamy smothered chicken and rice. The moment that rich aroma wafted through the kitchen, my heart skipped a beat. Picture this: tender chicken simmering in a luscious, velvety sauce, all resting on a fluffy bed of perfectly cooked rice. It was like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly day—pure comfort food bliss.

Fast forward to today, and this dish has become my go-to for family gatherings and cozy nights in. Whether it’s a Sunday dinner or an impromptu weeknight feast, creamy smothered chicken and rice never fails to impress. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the memories we create around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • You’ll love how easy it is to prepare creamy smothered chicken and rice while delivering big flavor
  • The rich, creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible
  • Visually appealing with its golden hue, it’s a feast for both eyes and taste buds
  • Perfect for any occasion, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends; their reactions were priceless as they dug into the creamy goodness.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts but adjust based on your crowd.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor impact.

  • Onion: A medium-sized onion adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.

  • Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce luxuriously rich and satisfying.

  • Rice: Long-grain white rice works beautifully here; it absorbs flavors well.

  • Olive Oil: A splash of olive oil helps brown the chicken nicely.

  • Soy Sauce: Adds umami and enhances all those delicious flavors coming together.

  • Spices (Paprika & Thyme): These enhance flavor complexity; I prefer smoked paprika for added richness.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients first; chop garlic and onion finely so they’re ready when you start cooking. This keeps things flowing smoothly.

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and brown them until golden on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics and Simmer: Toss in minced garlic and chopped onion once chicken is browned. Sauté until fragrant and onions turn translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.

Create the Sauce Base: Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce; stir well to combine. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes to develop those amazing flavors.

Add Cream and Rice: Mix in heavy cream until well combined. Stir in uncooked rice, ensuring it’s fully submerged in that luscious sauce.

Finish Cooking Everything Together: Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes or until rice is tender and absorbs most of the liquid.

Now sit back as you enjoy that delightful aroma filling your kitchen! Your family won’t be able to resist asking when dinner will be served!

This creamy smothered chicken and rice will quickly become a beloved staple at your dinner table, just like mine!

You Must Know

  • Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just a dish; it’s a hug on a plate
  • The creamy texture and aromatic spices create an irresistible comfort food experience, perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering
  • A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and freshness

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then simmer with rice and sauce for a creamy finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or use different cheeses for a unique flavor.

Storing & Reheating

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

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To ensure your chicken is juicy, avoid overcooking it during the initial searing process
  • Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor
  • Always let your dish rest before serving, allowing flavors to meld beautifully

The first time I made this dish, my friends practically licked their plates clean! Their delighted faces made all the effort worth it.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

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

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter option.

How do I make it spicy?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick of heat.

Print
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice


  • Author: homerecipeseasy
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken simmered in a rich, velvety sauce served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, effortlessly delivering big flavors with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked preferred)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. 1. Prep your ingredients: chop garlic and onion finely.
  2. 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts and brown them for about 5 minutes per side until golden.
  3. 3. Add minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté until fragrant and translucent (about 3 minutes).
  4. 4. Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce; stir to combine and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  5. 5. Mix in heavy cream and uncooked rice, ensuring the rice is submerged in the sauce.
  6. 6. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 300g)
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for heavy cream if desired. Adjust cooking time when using brown rice as it takes longer to cook.

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