Irresistible Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

The aroma of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace. Picture tender chicken bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce, all resting on a fluffy bed of rice. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket after a long day.

Growing up, this dish was my family’s secret weapon for gatherings. Every Sunday dinner felt like an event, as we eagerly awaited the arrival of that creamy goodness. Nothing says “I love you” quite like a plate piled high with this comfort food classic on chilly nights or during family celebrations.

There was that one time my cousin tried to claim he didn’t like chicken and ended up going back for seconds—no one could resist the creamy allure!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your hungry crowd.

• Fresh Garlic: Always pick firm cloves; they pack the best punch of flavor.

• Onions: Sweet onions add depth; make sure to chop them finely for even cooking.

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

• Heavy Cream: This brings the creaminess; don’t skimp—life is too short for low-fat options here!

• Rice: Long-grain white rice works perfectly; it absorbs all the glorious flavors.

• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Simple yet essential; adjust to your taste preference.

• Parsley (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds color and freshness; don’t skip this final touch!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop garlic and onions finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the sauce.

Sear the Chicken: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Garlic and Onions: Toss in the chopped garlic and onions once the chicken is browned. Sauté until fragrant and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring gently. Allow it to simmer until bubbly and thickened slightly for about 5 minutes.

Add Rice and Seasoning: Fold in rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined before lowering heat to let it simmer covered for 20 minutes.

Finish it Off!: Once rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, give it a gentle stir. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving—enjoy every delightful bite!

Now you have an incredible meal ready to impress family or friends! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend feast, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice will surely steal the show!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the rice while preparing the creamy sauce. This sequence keeps everything flavorful and prevents overcooking any ingredient.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap plain rice for wild rice, or add vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition. This customization elevates the dish and adds personal flair.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

Cooking this dish takes me back to family game nights where laughter filled the air, and my mom’s creamy chicken masterpiece stole the show.

FAQ

What can I substitute for chicken in Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice?

You can use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that’s equally creamy and satisfying.

How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give your creamy smothered chicken and rice a kick.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything beforehand, then bake just before serving for maximum freshness.

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Rachel Simmons
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a heartwarming dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, velvety sauce over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. Each bite envelops you in comfort, making it an instant favorite for everyone around the table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream; stir gently and simmer until slightly thickened (approximately 5 minutes).
4. Stir in rice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cover and reduce heat; let simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Gently stir before serving and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, incorporate vegetables like peas or spinach. - Substitute wild rice for a nuttier flavor. - Enjoy leftovers by reheating with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.