This creamy smothered chicken and rice is oh-so-comforting! Tender chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy rice come together for a cozy meal that warms your heart.
You’ll love how easy it is! Just cook the chicken, pour on the creamy goodness, and let it simmer. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a big hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish due to their quick cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add more flavor.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is standard here, but you can also use jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant twist. Brown rice can be used, but remember it requires more cooking time.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dish. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Dijon Mustard: It enhances the flavor, but feel free to leave it out if you’re not a fan. A little squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice tang instead.
Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar adds creaminess, you can substitute with mozzarella or any cheese you love. Vegan cheese options are also available if you prefer a dairy-free dish.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken just right is key to this recipe. Here’s how to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out:
- Warm your skillet well before adding chicken; this helps with browning.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking, which keeps it juicy.
These tips will help you achieve deliciously tender chicken each time! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy smothered chicken and rice dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 45 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will give them great flavor during cooking!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. This adds a wonderful aroma to the dish!
4. Add the Rice:
Stir the rice into the onion and garlic mix, cooking it lightly for 1-2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
5. Combine the Liquids:
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard (if you’re using it). Add the dried thyme, and stir everything together until well combined.
6. Return the Chicken:
Place the seared chicken breasts back in the skillet, nestling them on top of the rice mixture. This allows the chicken to cook through while flavoring the rice!
7. Simmer:
Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through (165°F/75°C).
8. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the chicken and rice. Cover again and let it sit for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy smothered chicken and rice—a comforting and delicious one-pan meal!
FAQ for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will take longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes. You’ll also need to increase the chicken broth to about 3 cups to ensure the rice cooks properly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. For a thicker consistency, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to the liquid as it simmers.
What Should I Do if I Have Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
While it’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.