Smothered Chicken and Rice 🍗🍚
Craving something rich, hearty, and soul-warming?
This Smothered Chicken and Rice is the perfect comfort food — juicy chicken pieces simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce and spooned generously over fluffy white rice. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, but satisfying enough for any special gathering!
Ingredients 🛒
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup diced tomatoes (optional, but recommended for extra flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 cups cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions 👩🍳
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
- Add the diced tomatoes (if using), thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Combine and Simmer:
- Return the seared chicken and any juices back into the skillet.
- Cover and let the chicken simmer in the creamy sauce for 10–15 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your liking.
5. Serve:
- Spoon the rich, creamy smothered chicken and sauce over a bed of cooked white rice.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Enjoy:
- Dig in and enjoy every hearty, comforting bite! 🥰
Recipe Details 📋
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 40 minutes | 4 |
Why You’ll Love It ✨
- One-Skillet Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor!
- Creamy and Bold: The sauce is rich, slightly spicy, and packed with savory goodness.
- Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for cozy family dinners, meal prepping, or anytime you’re craving serious comfort.
Tip: Feel free to customize by adding mushrooms, spinach, or even peas for extra texture and nutrition!
