Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s comforting, flavorful, and simple to prepare. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice warms your heart and fills your stomach. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it is golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions. Sauté the onions for 3 minutes until they are translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover and let it simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add the heavy cream and frozen peas. Stir gently and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight
Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. You can add extra parsley on top for a fresh touch. This meal pairs well with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete dinner.
How to Store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the rice has absorbed too much liquid.
Tips to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight
- For added flavor, try seasoning the chicken with spices like paprika or Italian seasoning before cooking.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the onions.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and tender.
Variation
You can easily switch up this recipe by adding different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free option.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add the heavy cream and peas right before serving and heat it up.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids usually love the creamy texture and the mild flavors. You can also let them help with the stirring for a fun family activity.
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Delight
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the rice and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, return the chicken to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add the heavy cream and frozen peas. Stir gently and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.