Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, flavorful cream sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for cozy family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken Thighs: 4 pieces (bone-in, skin-on) 🐔
- Salt and Pepper: To taste 🧂
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon 🌶️
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon 🧅
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon 🧄
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons 🌿
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Onion: 1 medium, diced 🧅
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced 🧄
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) 🥛
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 cup (240ml) 🥣
For the Rice:
- Long-Grain White Rice: 1 cup (200g) 🍚
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (480ml) 🍗
Garnish:
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped 🌿
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and heavy cream, mixing well. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Combine and Cook
- Nestle the seared chicken thighs into the creamy sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Prepare the Rice
- In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 18-20 minutes until tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5. Serve
- Plate a portion of rice on each plate. Top with a chicken thigh and spoon over the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Substitutions: For a lighter sauce, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Rice Variations: Jasmine or basmati rice can be used for extra aroma.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.