Smothered Chicken and Rice

The aroma of Smothered Chicken and Rice wafts through the house like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken bathing in a creamy sauce that’s just begging to be spooned over fluffy rice. Each bite is a culinary embrace, tantalizing your taste buds with rich flavors that dance together in perfect harmony.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was a rainy Sunday afternoon. As soon as they caught wind of the cooking magic happening in the kitchen, they gathered around like moths to a flame. Little did I know, I was about to create a family favorite that would become our go-to comfort meal. Now, let’s dive into this delectable recipe that’s ideal for cozy dinners or celebrations!

I recall my cousin’s eyes lighting up when she tasted it for the first time; you could practically hear her taste buds singing!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for 3-4 pieces based on your crowd size; they’ll cook evenly and absorb all those flavors.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it’s perfect for sautéing.
• Onion: Choose a medium onion; it adds sweetness when caramelized that enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best; they give the dish an aromatic punch that’s hard to resist.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth works wonders here; it keeps the dish flavorful without being too salty.
• Heavy Cream: For richness and creaminess; don’t skimp on quality here—it makes all the difference!
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Season according to your taste; smoked paprika can add a delightful depth.
• Rice (White or Brown): Use long-grain white rice or brown rice depending on your preference for texture.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the onions and garlic finely. This helps them cook evenly while infusing flavor into your dish.

Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown on each side for about 5-7 minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in chopped onions and garlic into the skillet after removing the chicken. Sauté until fragrant and translucent for about 3-4 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring well to combine all those delicious bits stuck to the pan. Keep stirring until bubbly.

Add Back Chicken: Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer gently on low heat covered for 20 minutes until cooked through.

Cook Your Rice: While your chicken simmers away in its creamy bath, prepare rice according to package instructions so everything is ready at once.

Once everything is done cooking together in glorious harmony, serve up generous portions of Smothered Chicken over fluffy rice

This dish isn’t just food—it’s love served warm in every bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve delicious results, start by searing the chicken for a crispy exterior, then simmer it in the sauce while cooking the rice. This method locks in flavors and ensures everything cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the chicken for turkey or add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Experimenting with spices such as paprika or cayenne can also give an exciting twist to this classic recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

Sharing my first attempt at Smothered Chicken and Rice still makes me smile; I accidentally added too much salt but turned it into a funny story during dinner with friends!

FAQ

What can I serve with Smothered Chicken and Rice?

Serve with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make Smothered Chicken and Rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance; just reheat before serving.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces add more flavor and moisture during cooking.

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Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce, served over fluffy rice—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, searing until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, cover, and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes until cooked through.
5. Cook rice according to package instructions.
6. Serve smothered chicken over rice.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 395g)
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 120mg