There are few dishes as comforting as Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice. Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish commands a delightful mix of creamy textures and savory flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in something heartwarming, this is the perfect recipe to make your evening memorable.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of jasmine rice
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful right from the get-go. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for consistent taste throughout the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside, maintaining the butter and flavorful char in the skillet for later use.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and sliced mushrooms into the same skillet. Sauté these ingredients until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender, releasing their aromatic flavors. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce. Lower the heat to medium and add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all elements. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, creating a rich, creamy base for your chicken and rice dish.
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken. Return the seared chicken back to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through while absorbing the sauce’s flavors.
Step 6: Cook the Rice. As the chicken simmers, cook your jasmine rice in a separate saucepan according to the package instructions or until soft and fluffy. This completion aligns with the readiness of your chicken and sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Serve. Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked, and the sauce has thickened, plate your cooked rice. Carefully place a chicken breast on the rice bed and generously smother it with the creamy mushroom sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a refreshing finish.
How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
This dish is best served immediately after preparation to enjoy its creamy, warm texture. Pair it with a light salad or green vegetable side dish to balance the richness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For an enhanced flavor experience, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice and herbs before cooking. Additionally, using a mix of different mushrooms can add depth to the dish. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces can help them cook more evenly and quickly.
Packed with Protein: The High Protein Version
If you’re looking to increase the protein content of this dish, consider adding chickpeas or lentils to the rice. You can also use skinless chicken thighs, which are slightly higher in protein than the breasts.
Low Carb, High Flavor: The Carb-Light Version
To make a lower-carb version, swap the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice. This keeps the dish low in carbohydrates while still offering a similar texture experience.
Storage Instructions
This Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet and add a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
- Can I use other types of rice? Yes, brown rice or basmati rice are excellent alternatives.
- Is it possible to freeze this dish? Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce’s tendency to separate.
- What can I use instead of mushrooms? Bell peppers and spinach are great substitutes for those not keen on mushrooms.
- Can I make it dairy-free? Indeed, swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Share Your Thoughts and Experiences
Your culinary journey through this delightful recipe can inspire others! Did you try any variations or have suggestions? Share your experiences by commenting below or sharing this recipe with your friends. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together.
Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- jasmine rice
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- sliced mushrooms
- onion
- garlic
- butter
- salt and pepper
- parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for enhanced flavor.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes each side, then remove from skillet.
- Using the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are tender.
- Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet, stirring until well combined and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Nestle the chicken back into the sauce, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
- Cook jasmine rice according to package instructions or until fluffy and soft.
- Serve chicken and sauce over the rice, garnishing with parsley.