Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice recipe delivers restaurant-quality comfort food using simple techniques and accessible ingredients. The one-pan method saves time while building incredible layers of flavor through proper searing, aromatic building, and sauce development.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or coconut milk)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 tsp parsley
Instructions
- Rinse rice until water runs clear. Cook using chicken broth for richer flavor.
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season chicken with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Sear 5-6 minutes per side until golden and 165°F inside. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat, add cream to skillet, stirring to combine with browned bits.
- If using peas, add them now and cook 2-3 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet, nestling into sauce. Simmer 5 minutes until flavors meld and sauce thickens slightly. Serve over rice.
Notes
Always rinse rice before cooking to prevent gummy texture. For extra flavor, substitute smoked paprika or fresh thyme.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: One-Pan Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, smothered chicken, one pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, comfort food