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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy, seasoned chicken is smothered in a rich, herb-infused cream sauce and served over perfectly cooked rice. Cozy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 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
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water, optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth

Equipment

  • Large skillet or deep pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté diced onion for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry if a thicker sauce is desired.
  4. Meanwhile, rinse rice. In a separate pot, bring water or broth to a boil, add rice, reduce heat, cover, and cook 15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling it in the sauce. Cover and simmer 10–15 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  6. Serve chicken and sauce over fluffy rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

✨ Tips: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat, or swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld. Perfect for chilly nights or Sunday family dinners.
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