Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice with tender chicken breasts, rich sauce, and fluffy rice—a comforting, one-pan meal perfect for weeknights and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1.5 lb / 680 g)
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half / non-dairy alternative)
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon parsley (fresh or dried, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
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Sear the chicken: Place chicken in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 5–7 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
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Toast the rice: Stir in uncooked rice and cook 1–2 minutes, letting it absorb the flavors from the skillet.
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Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth and half of the cream (½ cup). Stir gently and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Return chicken & add veggies: Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Add frozen peas if using.
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Simmer covered: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
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Serve: Remove from heat, let rest 2–3 minutes. Spoon creamy rice around the chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
Use long-grain rice for fluffy texture; jasmine rice works well too.
Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice (~350 g)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Creamy smothered chicken and rice, one-pan chicken dinner, comfort food chicken recipe, creamy chicken skillet, easy weeknight chicken meal, cozy dinner recipe