Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
A comforting and creamy smothered chicken dish served over flavorful chicken broth-cooked rice, enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich cream sauce with optional peas for a wholesome meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Rice
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Sautéed Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ teaspoon parsley, fresh or dried for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water to enhance flavor. Set the cooked rice aside once done.
- Sauté onions: While the rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until aromatic but not browned.
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place them in the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked.
- Make the cream sauce: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine with the skillet’s remaining ingredients, creating a creamy sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Add peas (optional): If using peas, stir them into the cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through.
- Finish the dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors and heat the chicken through completely.
- Serve: Plate the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice and garnish with fresh or dried parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms or bell peppers to the onions when sautéing.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for meal prep.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or non-dairy cream alternatives for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Keywords: creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, one skillet chicken, creamy chicken recipe
