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Creamy Comfort Smothered Chicken and Rice

creamy smothered chicken and rice - featured image
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A cozy, creamy chicken and rice dish that comes together quickly with simple ingredients, perfect for comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or 2% or dairy-free milk like almond milk)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic cloves. Measure all seasonings.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear chicken pieces for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour evenly over onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out raw flour taste and thicken sauce.
  5. Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, breaking up any clumps. Stir in dried thyme, parsley, and extra salt and pepper. Let simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Add rinsed rice to the creamy sauce and stir to combine. Nestle browned chicken pieces into the skillet, pressing slightly into the liquid. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  7. Remove skillet from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes to allow rice to absorb remaining liquid and thicken the dish.
  8. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before adding rice, add a splash more broth or milk. Keep chicken pieces similar size for even cooking. Resting the dish after cooking improves texture and flavor. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/creamy-comfort-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe-easy-homemade-dinner/