Smothered Chicken and Rice

There’s something magical about walking into a kitchen where the aroma of smothered chicken and rice wafts through the air. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug on a chilly day—comforting, soothing, and utterly inviting. Picture tender chicken bathing in a creamy sauce while fluffy rice eagerly soaks up all those delicious flavors. You can almost hear the happy sighs of your family as they gather around the table.

This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made smothered chicken and rice for my friends. We were having a movie night, and I thought what better way to fuel their cinematic enthusiasm than with a hearty meal? Little did I know that this dish would steal the show! The combination of flavors brought everyone together—laughter echoed through the room as we devoured every last bite.

I still chuckle when I think back to that evening—friends raving about how they could taste my love for cooking in each bite

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 pieces; they cook evenly and soak up all those flavorful juices.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; garlic is the superstar in this recipe.
• Onions: Yellow onions work best due to their sweetness; they add depth to your sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
• Heavy Cream: This makes everything richer; don’t skimp here—your taste buds will thank you
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal; it cooks beautifully alongside the chicken.
• Seasonings (Paprika, Thyme): These spices elevate the dish’s flavor profile; feel free to experiment
• Soy Sauce: A splash adds umami richness; just remember to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop garlic and onions finely having everything ready makes cooking smoother.

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions until they turn translucent and aromatic—about 5 minutes should do!

Add Chicken: Toss in your seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear both sides until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side will create that lovely crust.

Create Your Sauce: Pour in chicken broth along with heavy cream while scraping any browned bits from the bottom of your skillet. Stir well until combined.

Add Rice: Sprinkle in uncooked long-grain rice evenly over the top of your skillet mixture. Gently tuck it under so it can absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Simmer Away: Cover your skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.

Now picture this: you lift that lid after simmering time is up! The steam escapes revealing perfectly cooked chicken nestled atop fluffy rice drenched in creamy sauce. It’s simply irresistible!

Enjoy serving this delightful dish straight from the skillet or transfer it to an attractive serving platter for extra flair at dinner parties! Either way, expect compliments galore

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then sauté onions and garlic before adding rice and sauce. This order ensures everything is perfectly cooked and full of flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like bell peppers or peas. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises in flavor and texture.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess.

Cooking Smothered Chicken and Rice always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone fought over seconds. It’s satisfying to see loved ones enjoy every bite with smiles of pure bliss.

FAQ

What can I serve with Smothered Chicken and Rice?

Serve it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat when ready to serve for convenience.

Is it possible to use brown rice instead?

Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust cooking times for brown rice, which takes longer to cook.

Print

Smothered Chicken and Rice

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Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy, creamy dish featuring tender chicken and fluffy rice in a rich sauce. Ideal for family dinners, this one-pot meal promises satisfaction with every bite.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: One-pot cooking
• Cuisine: Comfort food

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the garlic and onion.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté onions in oil until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Sear both sides until golden brown (about 5 minutes each side).
4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir well to combine.
5. Sprinkle uncooked rice evenly over the mixture, gently tucking it under the liquid.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and rice is tender.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or peas. - Swap out chicken for turkey if desired. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat with a splash of broth.