Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
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.
Notes
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.