BEST CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE

Imagine fork-tender chicken nestled in a blanket of creamy, savory sauce, all spooned over a bed of fluffy rice; that’s the pure comfort of Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice. Forget complicated weeknight dinners, because this recipe is about to become your new go-to for an easy, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore. I promise, it’s even easier than it sounds!

What You’ll Need: Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• Cooked white rice (about 3 cups cooked)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Let’s Talk Chicken: Prep and Seasoning

Okay, friend, before we even *think* about that creamy sauce, let’s get our chicken prepped and ready to rock! The key here is to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly, and it also ensures you get a little bit of chicken in every single bite of that delicious sauce. Now, about seasoning. Don’t be shy! We’re building layers of flavor, so a good seasoning blend is crucial. I like to keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, but feel free to add a pinch of paprika or even a little cayenne pepper if you’re feeling adventurous! Remember, you can always adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Crafting the Creamy Dream: The Sauce

Alright, this is where the magic happens! Don’t be intimidated by making a sauce from scratch; it’s actually super easy, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. First, we’re going to create a roux. That’s just a fancy word for melting butter and whisking in flour. This is the foundation of our creamy sauce, so take your time and make sure the flour is fully incorporated into the butter and there are no lumps. Cook it for a minute or two, stirring constantly, until it starts to smell nutty. Next, we’re going to slowly whisk in the chicken broth. This is important! Add the broth gradually, whisking constantly, to prevent lumps from forming. Once the broth is fully incorporated, bring the mixture to a simmer. Now, for the creamy goodness! Stir in the heavy cream and milk. Don’t worry if the sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken as it simmers. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, along with the thyme and rosemary. These herbs add a wonderful depth of flavor to the sauce. Finally, season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Cook the chicken until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream, milk, onion, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Stir to combine and heat through.
3. Serve the Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice over cooked white rice.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. If you try to cook too much chicken at once, it will steam instead of brown. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Use a whisk to prevent lumps from forming in the sauce. This is especially important when adding the chicken broth.
• Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Taste the sauce as you go and add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• For an even richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, but the flavor will be incredible!
• If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. Simply shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the sauce.
• If you want to add some vegetables to the dish, try adding sliced mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or frozen peas to the sauce.
• A great side to this dish would be some Chicken Thighs Dinner Recipe!
• The leftovers are fantastic! Store any leftover Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Variations to Make It Your Own!

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
• Cheesy goodness: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, or parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra cheesy flavor.
• Mushroom mania: Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory flavor.
• Veggie boost: Add chopped broccoli, carrots, or peas to the sauce for a healthy dose of vegetables.
• If you like this, consider another similar dish, Creamy Chicken And Rice Casserole!

What to Serve With It

This Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to add a side dish, here are a few suggestions:

• Steamed green beans: A simple and healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken and rice.
• Roasted asparagus: Roasting asparagus brings out its natural sweetness and adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
• Garlic bread: A classic side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Side salad: A crisp and refreshing salad is the perfect way to balance out the richness of the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
• Or, try something like Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a similar but uniquely different recipe.

Troubleshooting Tips: Sauce Too Thin or Too Thick?

• Sauce too thin: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for a longer period of time, allowing the liquid to evaporate. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to help thicken the sauce.
• Sauce too thick: If your sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken broth or milk. Add the liquid gradually, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The creamy sauce is rich and decadent, while the chicken is tender and juicy. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup! And speaking of delicious chicken recipes, have you tried Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken? It’s a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home! Or, for a cozy comfort meal, try Chicken Pot Pie With Biscuits! If you are looking for something you can throw in your crockpot, consider Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes. Don’t forget to try my French Onion Chicken Rice Bake for another great family meal.

Make It Ahead Instructions

You can easily make the creamy sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stovetop, add the cooked chicken, and heat through. You can also cook the rice ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. So there you have it – my Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice recipe! I truly believe this will become a new favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy, my friend!