Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a one-skillet comfort dish packed with tender chicken breasts, rich creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that comes together easily but tastes like you worked on it all day.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, thyme, and onion powder, cooking until fragrant.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked rice and stir again. Bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Nestle chicken breasts back into the skillet over the rice mixture. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the dish and cover for another 2-3 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use boneless thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, one-pan dinner, chicken and rice, comfort food