Irresistible Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe to Savor

Smothered chicken and rice is a dish that wraps you in a warm embrace, with its tender chicken soaked in rich gravy and served on a fluffy bed of rice. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, making your taste buds dance with anticipation as you dive into this comforting meal.

This dish holds a special place in my heart, reminiscent of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly waited for seconds. Smothered chicken and rice is perfect for cozy nights in or casual get-togethers, promising an unforgettable flavor experience that brings everyone together.

I remember the first time I made smothered chicken and rice; my family couldn’t stop raving about it and even started a “clean plate club” right there at the dinner table.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth works well to control saltiness without sacrificing taste.

• Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the gravy; feel free to substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Onions: Sweet onions caramelize beautifully and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for soaking up all that delicious sauce.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.

• Paprika: Smoked paprika adds depth; regular paprika works fine if that’s what you’ve got.

• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper gives that extra kick to the gravy.

• Thyme or Rosemary: Fresh herbs elevate this dish; use dried if that’s what you have on hand.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients; wash and chop your onions and garlic. Pat down the chicken breasts with paper towels to ensure they sear nicely.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and let it shimmer. Sear each chicken breast until golden brown on both sides (about 6 minutes per side).

Add Aromatics: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic; sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma (about 3-4 minutes).

Create the Gravy: Pour in chicken broth while scraping up those delightful brown bits stuck to the pan. Add heavy cream, soy sauce, paprika, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper—stir until combined and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Add Chicken Back: Return your seared chicken to the skillet; spoon some gravy over each piece. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes until cooked through (165°F internally).

Cook Your Rice: While your chicken simmers away happily in its gravy bath, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff it up once it’s ready—trust me; it’s going to soak up all that delicious sauce!

Once everything is cooked beautifully together, serve yourself a generous portion of rice topped with that divine smothered chicken. Enjoy every bite!

Now that you’re armed with this recipe full of love—and maybe just a pinch of humor—you’ll surely impress family and friends with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken until golden brown, then sauté onions and garlic before adding rice and broth for perfect flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add in seasonal veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat to avoid drying out.

I remember the first time I made smothered chicken and rice; my friends devoured it and demanded I share the recipe. Their smiles made all my efforts worthwhile!

FAQ

What can I serve with smothered chicken and rice?

Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Print

Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smothered chicken and rice is a heartwarming dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. This flavorful recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken simmered in a rich gravy, served over a fluffy bed of rice, making it an irresistible choice for cozy dinners or gatherings. With its mouthwatering aroma and delightful taste, this dish will have your family asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by washing and chopping onions and garlic; pat chicken breasts dry.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and sear each chicken breast until golden brown (about 6 minutes per side). Remove from the pan.
3. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until onions are translucent (3-4 minutes).
4. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits; add heavy cream, soy sauce, paprika, thyme (or rosemary), salt, and pepper—stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Return seared chicken to the skillet; spoon gravy over each piece. Cover and cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Cook rice according to package instructions; fluff when done.
7. Serve rice topped with smothered chicken and gravy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. To prevent dry chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper temperature.