Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Introduction
Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken thighs or breasts with a rich, savory sauce. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a cozy dinner that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 3–4 minutes.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir to form a paste and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring to combine. Then add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
- Step 6: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 7: Serve the creamy chicken smothered in sauce over warm rice. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness.
- Substitute coconut milk for cream to make the dish dairy-free.
- Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or smoked paprika to vary the flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free flour if needed to keep the recipe allergen-friendly.
- For a bright finish, add a splash of lemon juice just before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during cooling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender when cooked in the sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Cook the rice separately to keep it fluffy and avoid over-thickening the sauce. If the sauce thickens too much while reheating, add a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it.
PrintCreamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken thighs or breasts enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Savory spices, sautéed onions and garlic, and a velvety roux-based gravy come together to create a deeply satisfying meal served over fluffy rice, perfect for nourishing both body and soul.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Serving and Garnish
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the meat before cooking.
- Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Build the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir constantly to form a paste and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until the sauce slightly thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken: Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken, cover, and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the creamy smothered chicken over warm cooked rice. Drizzle additional sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- The dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free flour if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas for additional flavor, texture, and nutrients.
- To lighten the dish in summer, reduce the cream and add fresh herbs instead.
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, creamy chicken thighs, skillet chicken, easy chicken dinner
