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creamy smothered chicken and rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

The Crispy Chef
A rich, comforting Southern-style dish with juicy chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and served over fluffy white rice. This go-to family favorite is perfect for cozy nights or when you want to impress company with something easy but unforgettable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner
Cuisine Southern
Servings 4
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fork (for fluffing rice)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 4 –6 chicken thighs bone-in, skin-on preferred
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1 onion diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half and half
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups white rice long grain preferred
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
  • Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Let rest for 10 minutes if possible.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear chicken skin-side down for 5–7 minutes until golden brown.
  • Flip and cook the other side for 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

  • In the same pan, melt butter and sauté diced onions for 3–4 minutes.
  • Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle flour and stir for 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add thyme. Simmer 5 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Season to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

  • Rinse rice until water runs clear.
  • In a pot, bring chicken broth to a boil with butter and salt.
  • Add rice, stir once, cover, and reduce heat to low.
  • Cook for 15–18 minutes until broth is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat, keep covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Nestle chicken into the creamy sauce.
  • Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked (165°F).
  • Serve chicken and sauce over the cooked rice.

Notes

Bone-in chicken thighs provide better flavor but boneless works for quicker cooking.
Customize with veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas.
Parmesan adds depth, but you can use other cheeses like Gruyère.
Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 28gFat: 38gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 820mgPotassium: 560mg
Keyword chicken and rice recipe, comfort food, creamy chicken and rice, smothered chicken, Southern chicken recipe
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