Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible Smothered Chicken with Rice, blending rich, velvety sauce and tender poultry. Hearty flavors and rustic charm guarantee pure satisfaction that will transport home cooks straight to grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Liquid and Cream Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (354 ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
- 3 cups (710 ml) water
Complementary Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups (270 g) long-grain rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare fragrant rice in a medium saucepan by bringing water to a rolling boil, adding a delicate salt sprinkle, and allowing it to simmer gently under a tight lid until tender and fluffy, approximately 15-18 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, creating a robust flavor profile before searing in a hot skillet with olive oil until achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking, roughly 6-7 minutes per side.
- Using the same skillet, sauté finely diced onions until translucent and softened, then introduce minced garlic and quickly aromatic notes develop, releasing their subtle essence.
- Transform the skillet’s foundation by introducing chicken broth, rich heavy cream, and tangy Dijon mustard, whisking together to create a luxurious sauce base. Incorporate fragrant thyme leaves and allow the mixture to simmer and gradually thicken.
- Reintroduce the perfectly cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, gently coating each piece and allowing the flavors to meld together through a brief covered cooking period.
- Plate the succulent chicken atop the prepared rice, drizzling the remaining velvety sauce generously. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Choose thick chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure perfect golden-brown exterior and crispy texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly versions.
- Fresh thyme provides more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs, enhancing overall dish complexity.
- Allow sauce to simmer slowly, which helps develop deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free option, replace Dijon mustard with grain mustard or omit entirely.
- Customize sauce consistency by adjusting liquid quantities or briefly whisking in cornstarch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg