ULTIMATE CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe delivers tender chicken in a velvety, savory cream sauce served over fluffy rice. It's a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners, offering a symphony of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- fine mesh sieve
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork
- Plates
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon dried sage
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish optional
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice: Place the rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt.
- Cook the rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Don't peek!
- Fluff and rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork. Set aside and keep warm.
- Season the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Remove from skillet: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
- Make a roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the flour is lightly golden. This is called a roux, and it's the base of your creamy sauce.
- Whisk in liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps that may form. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
- Simmer and thicken: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Add cream and milk: Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Season with thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Simmer together: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked rice onto plates. Top with the creamy smothered chicken and sauce.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately and savor every bite!
Notes
For juicy chicken, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor. If the sauce is too thin, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. If it's too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or milk. Rinsing the rice prevents a gummy texture. Experiment with herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. This dish is great for meal prepping; cook the chicken and rice separately, then combine with the sauce before serving. The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms to the sauce. Stir in shredded cheese for extra creaminess. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Use brown rice for a healthier option.