Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety cream sauce served over perfectly cooked rice. This dish is simple to make yet impressive enough for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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

1. Step 1: 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 extra flavor. Set aside when done.
2. Step 2: While the rice is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: 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).
5. Step 5: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream to the same skillet, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Step 6: If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. Step 7: 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.
8. Step 8: Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use half-and-half or a plant-based cream as a lighter or dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
• Add mushrooms or bell peppers along with onions for extra flavor and texture.
• For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
• Fresh parsley works best for garnish, but dried parsley is a fine substitute if needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream during reheating to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice can be used but will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust accordingly based on the rice package instructions.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken all the way through in the skillet?

Yes, cooking the chicken thoroughly ensures it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This prevents any food safety risks and keeps the chicken juicy.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 88 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts nestled in a rich and savory cream sauce, served over fluffy chicken broth-infused rice. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and optional peas, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s both flavorful and easy to make.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Rice

• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Sauce and Vegetables

• 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
• 1/2 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Cook the rice according to the package instructions, substituting the water with chicken broth for enhanced flavor. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Sauté Onions: While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic with the onions and cook for an additional 1 minute until the garlic releases its aroma, being careful not to burn it.
4. Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Place them into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Create Cream Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine it with the onion and garlic mixture. Bring this to a gentle simmer to thicken slightly.
6. Add Peas (Optional): If using, stir frozen peas into the cream sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are heated through and tender.
7. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them into the creamy sauce. Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors and thoroughly heat the chicken.
8. Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice and garnish with fresh or dried parsley for a bright, fresh touch. Serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and results in fluffier rice.
• Frozen peas are optional but add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
• Use fresh parsley if available for a more vibrant garnish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, skillet chicken, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy sauce