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Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with aromatic herbs and garlic, combined with fluffy rice and optional peas, make for a delicious one-pot meal that satisfies both taste and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (About 1.5 pounds)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup rice (Uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion (Diced)
  • 3 cloves garlic (Minced)
  • 1 cup frozen peas (Optional)

Dairy and Oils

  • 1 cup heavy cream (Can be substituted with half-and-half or a non-dairy product)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon parsley (Fresh or dried for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Set aside to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and brown on both sides for about 3-4 minutes per side. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Pour in the uncooked rice and chicken broth around the chicken, stirring gently to combine with the aromatics. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged.
  5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the rice is nearly tender.
  6. Incorporate Cream and Peas: Stir in the heavy cream and frozen peas (if using). Replace the lid and continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fully tender and creamy.
  7. Final Touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley for garnish. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving for best flavor melding.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or almond milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavorful, moister meat.
  • If you like, add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Frozen peas can be skipped or replaced with other vegetables like chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
  • For gluten-free preparation, ensure rice broth and seasoning do not contain gluten additives.

Nutrition

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamy chicken recipe, chicken and rice, one pot chicken dish, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe-4/