Smothered Chicken and Rice

Comfort Food Made Easy

Who doesn’t love the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal waiting for you after a long day? This Smothered Chicken and Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to your dinner table. With tender chicken smothered in a creamy sauce and nestled over fluffy rice, it’s a meal that promises to delight your taste buds and bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights—quick to prepare and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce is rich and inviting, making it irresistible for everyone at the table. Plus, its beautiful golden hue adds a touch of elegance to any dinner setting. You can easily adapt it to what you have in your pantry, making it a versatile and reliable choice.

Essential Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create a dish that’s sure to impress:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 3-4 pieces, depending on your needs.
  • Fresh Garlic: A few cloves for robust flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium to control the saltiness.
  • Heavy Cream: For an irresistibly creamy sauce.
  • Rice: Long-grain white or brown rice works best.
  • Onion: A medium onion, sautéed until sweet and translucent.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to bring everything together.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop the onion and garlic finely to ensure they blend seamlessly into the dish.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, then add garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Brown the Chicken Breasts: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden.

Add Liquid Gold: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors. Bring this mixture to a simmer.

Add Rice & Let It Cook: Stir in the uncooked rice, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Serve It Up: Once everything is cooked through, serve your smothered chicken over a bed of fluffy rice. Enjoy each delightful bite!

You Must Know

This Smothered Chicken and Rice not only fills your belly but also warms your soul. The rich aromas will remind you of home-cooked meals with every bite. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, making cleanup a breeze!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then sauté the vegetables and add rice before simmering everything together for that perfect blend of deliciousness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or use brown rice instead of white for a healthier twist. Add a splash of hot sauce if you like things spicy!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • To achieve tender chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan while searing; this lets them brown perfectly.
  • Always taste for seasoning before serving; sometimes it just needs a little extra love.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance flavors.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for one minute.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to combine flavors. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in uncooked rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and has absorbed liquid.
  5. Serve your flavorful smothered chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
  • Calories: 590
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Indulge in this creamy smothered chicken and rice, a comforting dish bursting with flavor that transforms weeknight dinners into delightful family feasts.

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