Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting dish of tender chicken in a creamy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Rice 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
Preparation
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice according to package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor. Set aside when done.
- While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- 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).
Cooking
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the remaining ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- If desired, add frozen peas to the cream sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 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.
- Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer, you can use brown rice instead of white rice; just adjust the cooking time as needed. Add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for an extra boost of nutrition and color. You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables. Try adding broccoli or spinach for an even creamier version. If you want a kick, consider adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the sauce.