Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice combines tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with flavorful spices and a bed of fluffy rice. This comforting one-pan meal is perfect for a quick family dinner, featuring savory seasonings and a rich, velvety texture that makes every bite satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and parsley. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Rice and Cook: Stir in the rinsed rice and salt. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and sauce. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Simmer Until Done: Reduce heat to low and let everything cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Remove the lid and fluff the rice around the chicken with a fork. Serve hot with a garnish of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after rice is cooked.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, keeping in mind the sauce will be less rich.
- Use bone-in chicken breasts if preferred but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
