– **Title**: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, rice, thyme, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
5. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 5 minutes of cooking to let it melt.
6. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
This dish provides a creamy texture with a rich flavor profile, perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here for tenderness. If you’re short on time, you can use thighs for a juicier option or even rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Rice: Long-grain or jasmine rice gives a lovely texture. You can easily swap for brown rice or even quinoa if you’re looking for something healthier, though cooking times may vary.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or even coconut milk can work, though they’ll change the flavor slightly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This helps create a creamy base for the sauce. You can use a homemade version by mixing chicken broth with some flour and milk if you prefer a healthier option without preservatives.
How Do You Cook Rice Perfectly Every Time?
Getting your rice fluffy and well-cooked is essential. This recipe starts off with a simple method! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a pot, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. This adds flavor to the rice as it cooks.
- Add the rinsed rice, cover, and reduce heat to low immediately. Let it simmer without lifting the lid for 15-20 minutes.
- Once the rice is cooked and the broth is absorbed, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Taking the time to rinse the rice really helps improve its texture. Enjoy it fluffy alongside your creamy chicken!
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30-35 minutes, including around 15-20 minutes to cook the rice and 15 minutes to prepare the chicken and sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that you can whip up any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by bringing 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Once it’s bubbling, add in the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the broth. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You want that rice to be fluffy!
2. Cook the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, take your chicken breasts and season them with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, in the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, lower the heat a bit. Add the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, stirring well to mix. Make sure to scrape up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. This is where all the flavors come together!
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, making sure to spoon that delicious creamy sauce over them. Allow them to simmer together in the sauce for another 5 minutes. This way, the chicken can soak up all that luscious flavor!
5. Serve:
To plate, scoop some of the cooked rice onto a dish, place the creamy smothered chicken on top, and drizzle some extra sauce over it. Don’t forget to sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor. Enjoy your homemade creamy smothered chicken and rice!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to add about 10-15 more minutes to the cooking time and may want to increase the broth to about 2 1/2 cups to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What if I Don’t Have Cream of Chicken Soup?
No worries! You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or any other cream soup you enjoy. Alternatively, you can make your own by combining equal parts heavy cream and chicken broth, adding in a bit of flour to thicken it up.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can stir in some frozen peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms while the sauce is simmering. Just ensure any added veggies are cooked through before serving for the best flavor and texture.
