Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and onions. Paired with tender, fluffy rice, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or meal prep. Ready in under an hour, it delivers homestyle flavor with every bite. One pan, simple ingredients, and big flavor—this recipe is a must-try for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp butter
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken)
For the Rice:
1½ cups long-grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
In a bowl, season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pan to deglaze. Add heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let simmer 5 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.
5. Cook the Rice
Rinse rice until water runs clear. In a pot, bring water or broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
6. Smother the Chicken
Return chicken to the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Serve
Spoon rice onto a plate and top with smothered chicken. Pour extra sauce over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
-
Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or cornbread for a full comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g