Envision a dish that’s not only comforting but also deliciously creamy, combining the savory flavors of chicken with the fluffiness of rice. Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice is an all-time favorite that you’ll love to prepare, bringing heartwarming flavors to your dinner table. This dish is not only easy to make but also a delight that appeals to both young and old. Whether you’re cooking for the family or want to impress at a dinner party, this recipe ticks all the boxes with its rich flavor profile and soothing texture.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
- Large skillet
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice – Step By Step
Step 1:
Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts. Sear them on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside. This initial sear keeps the chicken juicy and infuses the cooking oil with delicious flavors that will enhance the rice.
Step 2:
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, with the oil from the chicken, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them over a medium-low heat until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This will take about 3 minutes. The goal is to sweat the onions, not brown them, to build an aromatic base for the rice and sauce.
Step 3:
Cook the Rice
Add the rice to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir everything together to coat every grain of rice in the flavorful oil and onions. This process toasts the rice slightly, enhancing its flavor. Pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a simmer, and then lower the heat. Cover and let it cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly cooked through, absorbing most of the broth.
Step 4:
Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the rice is almost done, pour the heavy cream over the rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The cream will thicken and create a luscious sauce that envelops the rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5:
Finish the Dish
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and finish cooking. The chicken will absorb some of the creamy sauce, making it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
Once the dish is complete, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it straight from the skillet to showcase the beautiful, rustic presentation. This recipe pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For the best results, ensure that the skillet is hot before searing the chicken to form a flavorful crust. You can also experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the aromatic profile.
Packed with Protein: Elevated Creamy Chicken Rice
If you’re looking to add an extra protein punch to this dish, consider incorporating some beans or chickpeas into the rice as it cooks. Not only do they provide additional texture, but they also complement the core flavors beautifully. Substitute half of the cream with Greek yogurt to maintain creaminess with a higher protein content.
Low-Carb Delight: Adapted Creamy Chicken Rice
For a low-carb version, replace regular rice with cauliflower rice. This adjustment drastically reduces the carbohydrate content without sacrificing any of the comforting flavors. Follow the same steps, adding the cauliflower rice towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, portion the creamy chicken rice into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
FAQs
- Can I make Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice with brown rice? Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase the cooking time and liquid proportion.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely, it’s great for meal prep and retains its flavor well after reheating.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free? Use coconut cream or almond milk as a substitute for heavy cream to make it dairy-free.
- What can I use instead of chicken breasts? Chicken thighs are a great alternative and may even bring more flavor due to their higher fat content.
Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- rice
- chicken broth
- heavy cream
- olive oil
- onion
- garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add rice and stir to coat with onion mixture. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat. Cover and cook until rice is almost done.
- Stir in heavy cream, adjust seasoning, and place chicken back into the skillet.
- Cover and cook for 5 more minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.