Delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

The sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot pan is music to my ears. When you combine that with the aroma of sautéing garlic wafting through your kitchen, you know you’re in for something special. The creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is a hug on a plate—simple to make yet undeniably comforting.

Imagine sitting down after a long day, spooning fluffy rice drenched in rich, creamy sauce made from tender chicken. Whether it’s a family gathering or just another Tuesday night, this dish whisks you away to your happy place with every bite.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids practically turned into little food critics, demanding I keep it on regular rotation during the week.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic in this dish.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth so you can control the final saltiness of your meal.
• Heavy Cream: The star of the show; it adds that luxurious creaminess that makes every bite divine.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best; it absorbs flavors beautifully while staying fluffy.
• Onion: A medium onion provides sweetness and depth; chop finely to blend seamlessly into the sauce.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika balance all the flavors; don’t skip these essentials!

For the Sauce:

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it enriches the sauce without overpowering other flavors.
• Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce beautifully; whisk it well to avoid lumps.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity brightens up all those rich flavors beautifully.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onion and mincing garlic. Measure out all other ingredients so you’re ready when it’s time to cook.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic once the chicken is browned. Sauté until onions become translucent and fragrant—around 3 minutes should do the trick.

Create Your Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the mixture in the skillet, stirring well to combine everything. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously until smooth.

Add Creaminess: Pour in heavy cream along with lemon juice for brightness. Stir gently as everything thickens into a luscious sauce that hugs every piece of chicken like an old friend.

Cook Your Rice: Meanwhile, cook your rice according to package instructions if you haven’t done so already. Fluff it up right before serving!

Let this creamy smothered chicken simmer gently for about 10 minutes until fully cooked through. Serve over fluffy rice, ensuring each plate gets drizzled with that irresistible sauce.

Now you’ve got yourself a delightful dinner that’s bound to impress anyone at your table! You can even give yourself an extra pat on the back because you made magic happen in just under an hour!

Enjoy this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe at your next meal gathering or cozy family dinner night—it’s bound to become a favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in the juices, then simmer it in the creamy sauce while cooking the rice for optimal flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like broccoli or spinach. Experiment with spices such as garlic powder or paprika to enhance flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water if necessary.

Sometimes recipes come with unexpected surprises, like when my cousin tasted this creamy smothered chicken and rice and declared it her new favorite dish—now I make it every family gathering!

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just adjust cooking time according to package instructions for brown rice.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

How spicy is this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe?

This recipe is mild; add cayenne pepper for some heat if desired.

Print

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken enveloped in a rich sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for cozy family dinners or weeknight meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Thyme
• Paprika
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Sear seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes per side).
3. Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture; whisk well and gradually pour in chicken broth until smooth.
5. Stir in heavy cream and lemon juice, allowing the sauce to thicken.
6. Cook rice according to package instructions.
7. Let the creamy chicken simmer for about 10 minutes until fully cooked. Serve over rice with sauce drizzled on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: Substitute chicken with turkey or add vegetables like broccoli for extra nutrition. Adjust seasonings according to taste for a personalized flavor experience.