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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ Creamy & Comforting – A rich, homemade gravy with juicy chicken.
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Fewer dishes, maximum flavor!
✔️ Easy & Quick – Ready in 30 minutes.
✔️ Customizable – Add veggies or make it spicy!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour (for thickening)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for extra flavor, optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • ½ cup mushrooms, sliced
  • ½ cup frozen peas or spinach
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

  1. Pat dry the chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir, cooking for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring to remove lumps.
  5. Pour in heavy cream, then add salt, black pepper, thyme, and paprika. Stir until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).

Step 3: Smother the Chicken

  1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, coating it in the creamy sauce.
  2. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp).

Step 4: Prepare the Rice

  1. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the cooked rice and stir in butter for extra flavor.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

  1. Spoon the smothered chicken and creamy sauce over the cooked rice.
  2. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!

Serving Suggestions

🥦 Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
🥖 Serve with garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
🌶️ Make it spicy with extra red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Freeze: Freeze the chicken and sauce separately from rice for up to 3 months.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will be even juicier. Just adjust cooking time by 3-5 minutes.

2. Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes! Substitute with half-and-half or evaporated milk for a lighter version.

3. What’s the best rice to use?

White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option all work great!

4. Can I add veggies?

Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas are great additions to the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a warm, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s rich, comforting, and sure to be a family favorite!

🍗🍚 Tried this recipe? Let me know how you liked it! 😊