ADVERTISEMENT
2. Brown the Chicken
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Depending on the thickness of the chicken, this may take slightly longer. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
4. Add the Rice and Liquids
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring it with the onions and garlic to coat the rice in the flavorful oil or butter. Then, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and the optional cream of chicken soup for extra creaminess. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Rice
Once the rice mixture is simmering, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Place the chicken on top of the rice, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken and rice to cook together for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, add a little more broth or water and let it simmer a bit longer.
6. Finishing Touches
Once the rice is fully cooked and tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Smothered Chicken and Rice hot, with the creamy sauce spooned over the chicken and rice. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for the Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you have bone-in chicken, you can use it instead of boneless breasts or thighs. The bones will add extra flavor to the dish, and you can easily remove them once the chicken is cooked.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Alternatively, for a richer, more decadent dish, you can add a bit more cream or cream of chicken soup.
- Add vegetables: For extra nutrition and flavor, you can add frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers to the rice mixture while it’s simmering. These vegetables will cook with the rice and add a burst of color and freshness.
- Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix, or stir in a few diced jalapeños when cooking the onions and garlic.
- Leftovers: Smothered Chicken and Rice makes excellent leftovers. Simply store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice make each bite incredibly satisfying. This dish is not only easy to make but also highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
The best part? It’s a one-pan meal, meaning less time spent on cleanup and more time to enjoy this delicious comfort food with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply need a filling meal after a busy day, Smothered Chicken and Rice is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty, comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful rice, it’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family together for a cozy, satisfying dinner. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave a comforting, delicious meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this creamy, heartwarming dish tonight!
ADVERTISEMENT
