Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish with tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious cream sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half/non-dairy substitute)
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
1. Rinse the rice until water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions using chicken broth instead of water. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Season chicken with paprika, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Place in skillet with onion and garlic. Cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and set aside.
5. Lower heat and add heavy cream to skillet. Stir to combine with remaining onion and garlic. Simmer gently.
6. Add frozen peas, if using, and cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
7. Return chicken to skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Serve chicken and sauce over cooked rice. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy product for a lighter sauce.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra flavor.
Make ahead and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to keep sauce creamy.
Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for more fiber, though it requires longer cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 135mg