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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is an easy comfort food dinner.Tender chicken simmers in a rich garlic cream sauce.Serve over fluffy rice for a cozy family meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs or chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water optional

For the Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups water or chicken broth

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  • Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
  • In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion for about 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
  • Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes. If desired, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  • Step 4: Cook the Rice
  • Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Bring water or broth to a boil, add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.
  • Step 5: Smother the Chicken
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice becomes even more flavorful as the chicken absorbs the sauce.
  • Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  • Serve the creamy chicken over warm rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
  • Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, though cooking time will increase.
  • Fresh thyme and parsley can replace dried herbs for brighter flavor.