Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and flavorful rice. Quick, comforting, and crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1½ cups (285g) long-grain white rice
- 3 cups (720ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) butter
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika works beautifully)
- ½ teaspoon salt (plus more for seasoning chicken)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not cooking them through at this point – just developing color and flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Those browned bits on the pan? That’s pure flavor waiting to elevate your Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice.
- Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and slightly golden. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika, stirring continuously for 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic base will infuse every bite of your dish with savory depth.
- Step 3: Create the Creamy Foundation Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly, about 2 minutes. Now, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer.
- Step 4: Add the Rice Add the rinsed rice to the creamy mixture, stirring to ensure it’s evenly distributed. Let it come back to a simmer. This is where the magic happens – the rice will gradually absorb all those wonderful flavors as it cooks.
- Step 5: Return the Chicken and Finish Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the rice mixture. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is completely cooked through (reaching 165°F/74°C). In the final 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top and replace the lid to allow it to melt into the Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice. Once finished, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 605 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1160mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg