CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE BEST

Craving a dinner that’s the ultimate in comfort food – something warm, savory, and utterly satisfying? Imagine tender chicken, simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice; that’s exactly what you’ll get with this Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Dinner. I promise you, this recipe will become a family favorite in no time!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This helps thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and rosemary.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Smother the Chicken:

1. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
2. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Cook the Rice:

1. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the rice. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth (or water), butter, and salt.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Spoon the cooked rice onto plates.
2. Top with the creamy smothered chicken and plenty of the delicious sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Dinner!

Pro Tips for Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper browning.
• Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, there will be flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. These bits, called fond, add tons of flavor to the sauce. Make sure to scrape them up when you add the onion.
• Thickening the Sauce: If your sauce isn’t thickening enough, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the simmering sauce and stir until thickened.
• Flavor Boosters: Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. A splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.

Variations to Spice Things Up

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese along with the Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Cream Cheese Dream: For an ultra-creamy and tangy sauce, add 2-4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and stir it in until melted and smooth.

What to Serve Alongside Your Creamy Chicken and Rice

While this Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Dinner is a complete meal on its own, here are a few side dishes that would complement it nicely:

• Steamed green beans
• Roasted asparagus
• A simple side salad
• Garlic bread

Other Chicken Recipes You’ll Adore

If you loved this recipe, you’re definitely going to want to check out some of my other favorite chicken dishes. For a super simple and flavorful meal, try my Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s incredibly easy and the flavors are amazing! Another great option is my Chicken Casserole Recipe, which is perfect for a potluck or a comforting family dinner. If you’re in the mood for something cheesy and satisfying, don’t miss my Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake. It’s always a crowd-pleaser! For a delicious pasta dish, try Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or for a simple yet flavorful baked chicken dish, try Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. Finally, for a vibrant and flavorful skillet meal, try my Salsa Verde Chicken & Rice Skillet!

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead:

You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken and prepare the sauce as directed, then let it cool completely. Store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Prepare the rice fresh for the best texture.

Storage:

Store leftover Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Dinner in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The sauce may thicken upon refrigeration, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.

Time to Indulge

There you have it – a truly delicious and comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!