Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Imagine diving into a bowl of creamy smothered chicken and rice, where tender pieces of chicken swim luxuriously in a velvety sauce. The aroma wafting from the kitchen is like a warm hug on a cold day. This dish doesn’t just fill your belly; it wraps around your heart like the ultimate comfort food.

Every time I make this dish, I’m transported back to my childhood kitchen, where my mom would whip it up during chilly evenings. The anticipation of dinner made me giddy with excitement. There’s something magical about the way the creamy sauce clings to the fluffy rice as if they were destined to be together forever.

There was one time when my cousin visited unexpectedly; I had nothing but this creamy marvel cooking away in the oven. She couldn’t stop raving about it all evening!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work perfectly; adjust based on your crowd size.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; their flavor will elevate your dish significantly.
• Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and depth; chop finely for even cooking.
• Long-Grain Rice: This absorbs the sauce beautifully; avoid instant rice for best texture.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds that luxurious creaminess everyone loves; let it soften before use.
• Heavy Cream: For an extra rich texture that makes everything better.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Paprika): Simple yet effective; adjust to taste for perfect seasoning.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium is best; it complements the creaminess perfectly without overpowering flavors.
• Dried Herbs (Thyme or Italian Seasoning): Use these to elevate the flavor profile effortlessly.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Kitchen Space: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and lightly grease it while dreaming about how good this meal will be.

Sauté Those Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma—about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Chicken: Season your boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika before placing them into the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown—around 4-5 minutes per side does wonders.

Create That Velvety Sauce: Pour in chicken broth along with soy sauce next. Stir gently while introducing cream cheese into the mix until it’s fully melted and incorporated into a dreamy sauce.

Add Rice & Bake: Sprinkle long-grain rice evenly across the top of everything in your baking dish. Pour additional broth over it all—this ensures that every grain gets that saucy goodness.

Bake It Up! Cover with foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will soon smell like heaven!

After taking out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—if you can resist! Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra pop of color.

Now you’re ready to dig into this delightful plate of creamy smothered chicken and rice! Enjoy every bite as you savor those comforting flavors that feel just like home.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then prepare the creamy sauce while it simmers. This sequence ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or spice things up with some red pepper flakes for added heat!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, microwave until hot or warm on the stove over low heat for best texture.

Creating creamy smothered chicken and rice always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and full bellies were guaranteed!

FAQ

Can I make creamy smothered chicken and rice in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice yields great texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using brown rice and adding more vegetables for extra nutrition without sacrificing taste.

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a cozy dish featuring tender chicken in a velvety sauce, served over fluffy rice—an ideal comfort food for family dinners.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika)
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Dried herbs (thyme or Italian seasoning)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent (3-5 minutes).
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika; sear in the skillet until golden brown (4-5 minutes per side).
4. Stir in chicken broth and soy sauce; mix in cream cheese until melted.
5. Place long-grain rice into the baking dish and pour the creamy mixture over it.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg