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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe in a rustic skillet with herbs
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A cozy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and rice simmered in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce. Caramelized onions create a sweet, deep flavor foundation for this ultimate comfort food dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (like Jasmine or Basmati)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season and brown the chicken. Pat chicken dry and rub with the mixed seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, pepper). Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden. Remove to a plate.
  2. Cook the onions. In the same skillet over medium heat, add sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Make the sauce. Sprinkle flour over onions and stir for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then heavy cream and dried parsley. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add rice and finish cooking. Stir in uncooked rice. Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over top. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
  5. Add cheese and serve. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken and rice. Cover for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

For a healthier version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk. Use brown rice and add an extra 1/2 cup broth, extending cook time by 15-20 minutes. Do not lift the lid while the rice is cooking to ensure it steams properly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-rice-recipe/