Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in or boneless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup cream cheese or sour cream
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or preferred type
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme), for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on both sides until golden, then transfer to a plate.
- Lower heat and sauté onions and bell pepper until softened. Stir in garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add rice, stir to combine, and nestle the chicken thighs back on top. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until rice is nearly done and chicken is cooked through (about 25–30 minutes).
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese. Heat gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Stir in mushrooms or peas for added vegetables.
- Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
- Smoked paprika or mustard adds depth to the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
