Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe offers a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a rich and cheesy creamy sauce with perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. Infused with aromatic spices and a blend of cheddar cheese, sour cream, and herbs, it’s an easy stovetop dinner that balances indulgence with homey goodness, perfect for a weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Main Dish Components
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs or breasts dry and evenly season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build the base flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms, but the chicken is not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Toast Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice with the sautéed onions and garlic. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the grains in oil and develop a nutty aroma.
- Add Creamy Liquid: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and sour cream. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and dried thyme. Stir everything together gently until well combined into a creamy mixture.
- Simmer Together: Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the creamy rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid fully, is tender, and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, gently stir the rice to fluff it slightly without breaking the chicken apart. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful garnish, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting, creamy dinner.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish and add tanginess.
- For a quicker meal, use cooked rotisserie chicken instead of searing raw chicken.
- Add frozen peas or fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking to incorporate extra veggies and nutrients.
- For a dairy-free version, swap heavy cream and sour cream with coconut milk and dairy-free sour cream alternatives.
