Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings comfort to the dinner table. The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich creamy sauce makes it a family favorite. It’s simple to prepare and takes only a short time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite herbs or spices to make it your own.
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Optional: herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish
Directions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rice and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional herbs.
How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs nicely with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving.
How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Make sure not to skip browning the chicken; it adds great flavor.
- You can use brown rice instead of white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like peas or spinach. Simply add them in the last few minutes of cooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey or even pork instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Juicy and tender
- 1 cup rice Can use brown rice
- 1 cup chicken broth Adds depth of flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or dairy-free cream
Flavorings
- 1 medium onion, chopped For flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For aroma
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking
- Optional: herbs like thyme or parsley for garnish Enhances presentation
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the skillet. Cook until browned on both sides.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the rice and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Serving
- Serve hot, garnished with optional herbs.
