Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy smothered chicken and rice, blending Southern charm with kitchen creativity. Rich, velvety sauce and tender chicken nestled over fluffy rice promise a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Rice and Grains:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fats:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Aromatics:
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce Components:
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the protein by generously coating chicken with a blend of zesty seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered with salt, black pepper, vibrant paprika, and aromatic Italian herbs.
- Create a golden sear in a spacious skillet, melting a combination of olive oil and butter over robust medium-high temperature until the pan shimmers with heat.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a rich, caramelized bronze, approximately 4-5 minutes per surface. Transfer the perfectly seared pieces to a waiting plate.
- Without cleaning the skillet, introduce additional butter, allowing it to melt and welcome finely chopped onions and minced garlic, which will dance and soften within 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle flour into the aromatic mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth base and eliminate any raw flour taste.
- Slowly introduce chicken broth, using a whisk to liberate the delectable browned remnants clinging to the pan’s surface, creating a flavorful foundation.
- Pour in luxurious heavy cream, letting the sauce gently simmer and gradually thicken, developing a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Scatter uncooked rice across the creamy landscape, then strategically nestle the previously seared chicken pieces into the mixture.
- Cover the skillet, reducing heat to allow the ingredients to meld together, cooking for 15-18 minutes until rice reaches perfect tenderness and the sauce achieves a luscious, creamy texture.
- Remove from heat, allowing the dish to rest and settle for a few moments, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for maximum tenderness and easier cooking.
- Seasoning Boost: Customize the spice blend by adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Rice Perfect Texture: Use long-grain white rice to ensure even cooking and prevent mushy consistency.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, lactose-free version.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.
- Vegetable Enhancement: Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the sautéing stage for added nutrition and texture.
- Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg