This creamy smothered chicken with rice is a cozy dish that’s sure to make everyone smile! With juicy chicken simmered in a rich sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder for easy cleanup.
You’ll love how the rice soaks up all that creamy goodness! I always add a sprinkle of cheese on top before serving—because cheese makes everything better, right? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. You could also use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here, but jasmine or basmati rice are nice alternatives for a bit of flavor. Just check the cooking times, as they can vary.
Chicken broth: If you’re short on broth, water works in a pinch. You can add some seasoning to make up for the flavor loss when using water. Vegetable broth is great for a vegetarian twist!
Heavy cream: Half-and-half can lighten the dish a bit. For a dairy-free option, coconut milk or cashew cream would work too, giving a unique twist to the flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar cheese gives a wonderful flavor, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Leave it out for a lighter dish.
How Do I Make the Rice Creamy and Delicious?
Getting that rice perfectly creamy requires a few steps! First, make sure to rinse your rice to remove excess starch, which can make it gummy.
- When sautéing the onion and garlic, allow them to soften but don’t rush it—you want those flavors to shine.
- After adding the rice, stir it to coat well with the oil and onion flavor. This step adds richness.
- Use the right amount of broth—too little and the rice can become dry. Always check the rice in the last few minutes!
Finally, once the cream is added, let the mixture simmer without a lid for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce and enhances the creamy texture.
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy smothered chicken and rice dinner will take about 35 minutes in total—10 minutes for preparation and about 25 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that doesn’t require much fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. This gives them a great flavor right from the start!
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and brown them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden but not fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells fragrant. This will build a lovely foundation for the dish.
4. Add the Rice:
Next, pour in the rinsed rice and stir it to coat well in the onion and garlic mixture. This step adds tons of flavor to the rice!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, add the chicken broth, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
6. Cook the Chicken and Rice:
Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Make it Creamy:
Once cooked, take out the chicken breasts and set them aside briefly. Now, stir in the heavy cream and optional cheese into the rice mixture. Cook uncovered for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes nice and creamy.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon that luscious creamy sauce over it. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color.
9. Enjoy!
Serve warm and enjoy this deliciously creamy smothered chicken and rice dinner with your family and friends! It’s sure to become a favorite.
FAQ for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Dinner
Can I Use Another Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless skinless thighs can be used for extra juiciness, or you can opt for bone-in chicken pieces; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’d like a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut milk or cashew cream for that creamy texture without the dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
This dish tastes best made fresh, but you can prepare the rice and sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat and add cooked chicken before serving for a quick meal! You can also freeze it if needed; just allow it to cool completely before doing so.
