Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
If you’re in search of a comforting and delicious meal that satisfies the whole family, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the answer! This dish combines tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice for a meal that is both flavorful and hearty. It’s a delightful recipe that’s easy to prepare and will leave your dinner guests asking for seconds.
Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just another chicken dish; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures. The creaminess of the sauce perfectly complements the chicken, and the chicken broth used for cooking the rice enhances the overall taste. This dish is versatile enough for a weekday dinner or a special occasion. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks.
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Follow our step-by-step guide to whip up this delightful dish that your family will love.
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
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. Set aside once cooked.
- While cooking the rice, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 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).
- 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.
- If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 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.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
For a beautiful presentation, serve the creamy chicken and sauce over the rice in shallow bowls. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for color and flavor. This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and warm in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in garlic and herbs for an hour before cooking.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice or a rice cooker for efficiently cooking your rice.
- Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli added to the creamy sauce.
Variations
- Replace the chicken with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
- Add different spices, such as cumin or Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, store it separately from the rice, and then combine them together just before serving.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut milk for a lighter option.
3. What side dishes go well with Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice?
Green salads, steamed vegetables, or roasted broccoli complement this dish nicely and add some balance to your meal.
Enjoy the rich flavors of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends!
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main 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
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions, using chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. Set aside once cooked.
- While cooking the rice, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- 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).
- 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.
- If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 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.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
