Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, savory sauce over fluffy rice. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients to create deep flavors and a velvety texture perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, then bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 7: Serve the creamy smothered chicken over warm cooked rice. Drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips & Variations
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or smoked paprika to enhance flavor and texture.
- Splash lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish.
- In winter, add carrots and peas for a heartier meal; in summer, use fresh herbs and reduce cream for a lighter version.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick to restore its creamy consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when cooked in the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much during reheating, simply stir in a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up and restore the creamy texture.
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Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts smothered in a rich, savory cream sauce with hints of Worcestershire and perfectly seasoned with smoked paprika and Italian herbs. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this meal delivers satisfying protein, comforting carbs, and a deliciously creamy texture that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably high quality)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Serving
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to create a well-balanced flavor base.
- Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the softened onions and garlic. Stir continuously for about 1 minute to form a paste and cook off the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Then add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Worcestershire sauce. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook gently until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken and sauce over warm cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Use boneless chicken thighs for juicier, more tender results, but breasts work if preferred.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
- To make this dish low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- If gluten-free is required, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for thickening.
- Adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or carrots enhances fiber, vitamins, and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- For a bright finish, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy Chicken, Smothered Chicken, Chicken and Rice, Comfort Food, Cream Sauce Chicken
