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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

intro Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal made in one skillet. Juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, velvety sauce come together in a simple, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

  • Author: Ghalina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional)

For the Rice:

  • 1½ cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear Chicken:
    Coat chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Set aside.

  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
    In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and sauté for 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

  3. Build the Sauce:
    Add broth to deglaze the pan. Stir in cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. Thicken with cornstarch slurry if needed.

  4. Cook the Rice:
    Rinse rice. Boil water or broth, add rice, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Let sit off heat for 5 minutes, then fluff.

  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce:
    Return chicken to skillet. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes until fully cooked and tender.

  6. Serve:
    Plate rice, top with chicken, pour sauce over, and garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Bone-in chicken adds extra flavor but will require longer cooking.
  • Stir in mushrooms, spinach, or peppers for added veggies.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

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