Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken thighs, a rich creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, this one-pan meal is easy to make, indulgent, and packed with flavor. This recipe promises juicy chicken and creamy rice that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for another minute, allowing it to toast lightly.
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Add the Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Simmer the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice cook for about 15 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
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Combine and Finish: Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it on top of the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to reheat and the sauce to thicken.
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Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, use the microwave, covering the dish to maintain moisture.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
