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Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice: A Comforting One-Pan Dinner

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A cozy and comforting one-pan dinner made with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. This dish is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

1 small onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the flour (or cornstarch) over the onions and garlic, stirring for about 1 minute to cook the flour slightly.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken. Let it simmer for a few minutes.
  6. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
  7. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  8. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas and add seasonal vegetables.
  • Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for a gluten-free version of this dish.
  • Add paprika, cayenne pepper, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost.
  • Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but may require more cooking time and liquid.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency.

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