Description
Homemade creamy smothered chicken and rice delivers comfort on a plate with rich, southern-style flavors. Cheesy, tender chicken nestled over fluffy rice creates a hearty meal guests will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tbsps butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ small onion, diced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 cup white or brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ¾ tsp black pepper
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Rice Preparation: Boil chicken broth or water in a saucepan, incorporate rice and salt, then reduce heat and simmer until tender. Gently separate grains with a fork and reserve.
- Chicken Seasoning and Searing: Thoroughly dry chicken breasts and coat with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then caramelize chicken until golden, creating a rich exterior. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
- Sauce Creation: Utilize the same skillet, melt butter and rapidly sauté onions until translucent. Introduce garlic and quickly infuse flavors. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, capturing concentrated pan drippings. Blend heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to develop a luxurious sauce.
- Final Cooking and Merging: Reintroduce seared chicken into the skillet, generously coating with sauce. Cover and allow gentle simmering until chicken reaches perfect doneness at 165F/75C, ensuring succulent meat and integrated flavors.
- Plating and Presentation: Arrange fluffy rice as a foundation, position sauced chicken atop, and embellish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F/75°C for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
- Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy texture that clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and keep the meat tender and succulent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg