Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy sauce alongside perfectly cooked rice, creating a satisfying meal with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for searing chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder for seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika for seasoning
For the Sauce and Rice
- 1 tablespoon butter for sautéing
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream for creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Sear chicken for a few minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add butter and chopped onion. Sauté until softened and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Cooking the Rice
- Add the rice to the skillet with sautéed onions and garlic; stir for 1-2 minutes to coat the grains.
- Gradually pour in chicken broth while scraping up browned bits.
- Bring to a simmer and allow to cook.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the skillet, pour heavy cream over the chicken and rice, and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, thyme, and oregano.
- Stir gently and let it simmer for a few more minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach. Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables. Properly store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.