Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice—golden seared chicken nestled in a silky skillet sauce and spooned over fluffy rice. Cozy, one-pan, and weeknight-ready.

Ingredients

Scale

1½–2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or halved breasts)

1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1 small onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided

¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

1 tsp paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

½ tsp dried thyme

½ tsp dried parsley

¾ tsp fine salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker sauce)

Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Heat olive oil in a deep lidded skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.

3. Lower heat to medium; add butter and onion. Cook 2–3 minutes to soften; stir in garlic 30 seconds.

4. Deglaze with 1½ cups broth, scraping browned bits; stir in cream, thyme, and parsley. Simmer 3 minutes; add cornstarch slurry if you want a thicker sauce.

5. Stir in rinsed rice and remaining 1 cup broth; return to a gentle simmer.

6. Nestle chicken and juices into the rice; cover and cook on low 18–20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken reaches 165°F.

7. Rest 5 minutes covered; fluff rice, taste, and adjust salt. Spoon extra sauce on top; garnish with parsley.

Notes

For brown rice: add ~½ cup extra broth and 12–15 minutes more.

Use halved chicken breasts if preferred; begin checking doneness at 15 minutes.

Stir in baby spinach during the last 2 minutes for a pop of color and nutrients.

Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Pan Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1¼ cups
Calories: 520
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 620 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 36 g
Cholesterol: 130 mg