Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe
This Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice recipe offers a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce with smoky paprika and Italian herbs. Served over fluffy white or brown rice and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a perfect easy dinner that’s both hearty and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce and Cooking
- 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
Serving
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to infuse it with bold flavors.
- Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on both sides until golden but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook them over medium heat until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, creating the flavor base for the sauce.
- Build the roux: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a paste and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Worcestershire sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Return the chicken: Nestle the browned chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken along with sauce over warm cooked rice. Garnish with fresh parsley for a bright finishing touch and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Substitutions: Substitute chicken with turkey, pork chops, or tofu for a variation. Use evaporated milk instead of cream for a lighter sauce.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and refrigerate separately or combined with rice. Flavors deepen when reheated.
- Eco-Friendly Kitchen Hacks: Use leftover rice and turn vegetable scraps into broth to reduce waste. Cook in one pan to save energy and cleanup time.
- Adding Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, peas, carrots, or zucchini can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Without Cream: Use regular milk with 1-2 teaspoons cornstarch as a thickener if cream isn’t available.
Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner
