Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hearty dish where succulent chicken breasts are smothered in a creamy, flavorful sauce and served over perfectly cooked rice. The creamy sauce is made with garlic, onions, and a touch of Parmesan, making it rich and irresistible. This dish is perfect for a cozy family meal or an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth (or water) to a boil. Add the rice, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. -
Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes. -
Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and rosemary (if using). Continue to simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. -
Smother the Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken. Let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up the flavors of the sauce.
-
Serve:
Serve the creamy smothered chicken over the cooked rice. Spoon additional sauce over the chicken and rice, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
- For extra creaminess, you can add more Parmesan or even a splash of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Creamy Sauce, Easy Chicken Dinner, Comfort Food