Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy, tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked in a rich, savory cream sauce made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this meal is perfect for cozy family dinners and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Sauce & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
To Serve
- Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to create a flavorful base.
- Sear to perfection: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until the onions are soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Build the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Return the chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spoon sauce over each piece, then cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken over a bed of warm cooked rice. Drizzle extra sauce on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more tender meat; breasts also work but may cook faster.
- To keep rice fluffy and prevent the sauce from thickening too much, cook rice separately.
- For a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk.
- Substitute gluten-free flour to keep the dish gluten-free.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or carrots for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding broth if sauce thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, creamy sauce chicken
