Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Creamy chicken and rice dish, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken smothered in a rich, savory sauce served over fluffy rice.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ The Hearty Foundation

01 - 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ The Velvety Smothering Sauce

04 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
07 - 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
09 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Freshness & Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Cut 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces; season generously with salt and black pepper. Start cooking 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice according to package directions in a separate pot, as it will be the base for your Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
02 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on all sides. The chicken doesn't need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
03 - Reduce heat to medium. Add 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced, to the same skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Sprinkle 2 tbsp all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic, stirring for 1 minute. Whisk in 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth until smooth, then stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream. Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
05 - Once the sauce is simmering, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with additional salt and black pepper to taste. The sauce should begin to thicken beautifully, forming the luscious base for your Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
06 - Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Ladle generous portions of the Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice over the separately cooked long-grain white rice. Garnish each serving with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for a burst of freshness before enjoying.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the smoked paprika if you enjoy a little heat.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to restore consistency.
03 - Feel free to substitute chicken thighs for breasts for an even juicier result, adjusting cooking time slightly. You can also add a handful of spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of simmering for added vegetables.
04 - Serve this comforting dish with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious creamy sauce.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Saucepan
03 - Cutting board
04 - Chef's knife
05 - Measuring cups
06 - Measuring spoons
07 - Whisk

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 667 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
Protein: 60 g

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