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Comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

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A cozy, creamy chicken and rice dish that is quick, easy, and perfect for comforting homemade dinners. The creamy sauce coats tender chicken and fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the smoked paprika.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium and add remaining tablespoon of butter. Cook chopped onions until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth. Add dried thyme and remaining smoked paprika. Let sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add uncooked rice to the sauce and stir to combine. Nestle seared chicken thighs on top and spoon some sauce over them.
  7. Cover skillet with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Check rice tenderness and chicken internal temperature (165°F). Add broth and cook longer if needed.
  8. Turn off heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch (use half the amount). For dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Avoid high heat to prevent sauce separation. Do not skip searing chicken for best flavor and texture. Let dish rest after cooking to thicken sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://cooltastes.com/comforting-creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/