Irresistible Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for Comfort

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats the warm embrace of smothered chicken and rice. The aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around the table, ready for a meal that promises satisfaction. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a rich gravy, served over fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a big, cozy hug from your grandma on a chilly evening.

This dish evokes memories of family dinners filled with laughter, where seconds were always encouraged and no one left the table hungry. Whether it’s a rainy day or a casual Sunday gathering, smothered chicken and rice is perfect for any occasion. Get ready to dive into an unforgettable flavor experience that will make your taste buds dance!

One memorable evening, I made this dish for my family’s game night. The delighted faces at the table confirmed I had nailed it—everyone went back for seconds (and thirds!).

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; fresh garlic is non-negotiable in my kitchen!

• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best base flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still delivering rich flavor.

• White Rice: Long grain or jasmine rice works beautifully; it’s fluffy and absorbs all those lovely juices.

• Vegetables: Carrots and bell peppers add color and crunch; feel free to swap in your favorites!

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme bring everything together; don’t skimp on seasoning!

• Olive Oil: For browning the chicken; use extra virgin for added richness.

For the Sauce:

• Heavy Cream or Sour Cream: Adds creaminess to your sauce; choose based on your preference.

• Soy Sauce: A dash adds umami depth; opt for low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients before starting. Chop onions and garlic finely; set aside with diced vegetables for easy access during cooking.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan until golden brown on both sides.

Sauté the Aromatics: Remove chicken from skillet once browned. In the same pan, add onions and garlic until they become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add in Broth & Vegetables: Pour in chicken broth along with chopped carrots and bell peppers. Stir well to combine flavors before adding back seared chicken breasts.

Create Your Sauce: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream along with soy sauce into the mixture. Allow everything to simmer gently until thickened slightly—about 10 minutes.

Cook Rice Separately: While everything simmers away happily, prepare your rice according to package instructions. Fluff it up right before serving!

Now you have created this delightful smothered chicken and rice dish that will become a family favorite! Serve hot and watch everyone gather around as they savor each bite of comfort food goodness!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While it cooks, prepare the rice and sauce simultaneously to save time and ensure everything is ready together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables, such as bell peppers or peas, for added color and flavor. You can also adjust seasonings to suit your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Sharing smothered chicken and rice with friends always brings back warm memories, especially when they rave about it and ask for seconds. It never fails to impress!

FAQ

What can I serve with smothered chicken and rice?

Serve with a fresh green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Yes, pork or turkey can work beautifully in this recipe too.

How do I make it spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños during cooking for an extra kick.

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Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smothered chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for gathering around the dinner table. This dish features tender chicken enveloped in a creamy gravy, served over fluffy rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Ideal for family meals or casual gatherings, it’s a heartwarming recipe that evokes memories of home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll create a satisfying meal that brings everyone together for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup long grain or jasmine rice
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced bell peppers
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by chopping onions, garlic, and vegetables.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear until golden brown on both sides; remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
4. Add chicken broth, carrots, and bell peppers; stir well before returning chicken to the skillet.
5. Stir in heavy cream or sour cream and soy sauce; simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened.
6. Cook rice according to package instructions and fluff just before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables like peas or broccoli for added color and flavor. Adjust seasonings based on your taste preferences.