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Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 81 reviews

Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts smothered in a luscious heavy cream and chicken broth sauce with a hint of Worcestershire sauce. Enhanced with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and fresh garlic, this recipe combines tender seared chicken with a silky roux-thickened gravy, served over fluffy rice for a satisfying and nourishing meal perfect for any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Cooking and Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

To Serve

  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with flavor.
  2. Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, developing a savory crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft, translucent, and lightly golden, releasing their aroma.
  4. Build the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continually to form a smooth paste and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. Add liquids: Gradually pour the chicken broth into the skillet while stirring to prevent lumps. Then, add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Worcestershire sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until it thickens slightly into a silky sauce.
  6. Return the chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the meat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
  7. Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken over warm cooked rice. Drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a bright, fresh touch.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
  • Use gluten-free flour if you need to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas can boost nutrition and flavor.
  • To keep the rice fluffy and avoid sauce thickness issues, cook the rice separately.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
  • For a low-carb alternative, serve the chicken and sauce over cauliflower rice.
  • For more depth, add a splash of lemon juice at the end to brighten the sauce.

Keywords: Creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, creamy sauce, stovetop chicken, chicken thighs recipe

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