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CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE Recipe

CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE Recipe


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4.7 from 29 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy smothered chicken and rice dish, blending rich flavors from Southern kitchens. Hearty chicken nestled in velvety sauce over fluffy rice promises a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last comforting bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • ½ tablespoon black pepper

Main Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup white or brown rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth or water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the rice foundation by bringing broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, then gently introduce rice with a pinch of salt. Cover and allow to simmer on low heat until liquid is absorbed and grains become tender, approximately 15-18 minutes for white rice. Fluff delicately with a fork and set aside.
  2. Transform chicken breasts by patting them completely dry, then lavishing with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat a mixture of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear chicken pieces until they develop a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Transfer to a waiting plate.
  3. Craft the luxurious sauce in the same skillet by melting butter and introducing finely chopped onions. Sauté until translucent, then add minced garlic and allow its aromatics to bloom briefly. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, carefully scraping accumulated flavor fragments from the bottom. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper to create a velvety consistency.
  4. Reunite the seared chicken with the bubbling sauce, gently spooning the creamy mixture over the protein. Reduce heat, cover, and allow gentle simmering for 5-7 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.
  5. Artfully plate the dish by creating a bed of fluffy rice, nestling the smothered chicken atop, and generously draping with the decadent sauce. Enhance visual appeal and flavor profile by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a delicate sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
  • Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for more tender and flavorful meat that stays juicy during cooking.
  • Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for increased nutrition and color variation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg