Smothered Chicken and Rice – Creamy, Flavorful Family Favorite

Name: Smothered Chicken and Rice – Creamy, Flavorful Family Favorite
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheese; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon thyme; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Fresh parsley for garnish

Tamanna January 11, 2025

A hearty and comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice dish featuring tender chicken, creamy gravy, and rice baked to perfection. Ideal for those looking for an easy chicken rice and gravy recipe or a classic smothered chicken recipe, this meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

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I adore comfort food and smothered chicken and rice is a top pick. It’s a classic Southern dish that always satisfies. It’s loved in many American homes for its simplicity, taste, and suitability for any event. The creamy sauce and soft chicken make it a hit with families.

Enjoying smothered chicken and rice brings back memories of its rich history. It comes from the Southern United States, where it’s been a favorite for years. Its tasty chicken and creamy gravy make it a must-try for anyone craving a comforting meal.

Key Benefits of This One-Pan Wonder

Benefit	Description
Easy to make	Can be prepared in just 45 minutes
Nutritious	Balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats
Delicious	Combination of chicken, rice, and creamy sauce
Customizable	Can be tailored to suit your tastes and preferences

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups

Optional but Helpful Tools

Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Kitchen shears
Spatula
Whisk

Troubleshooting Common Issues

When making smothered chicken and rice, I’ve encountered some common problems. These can mess with your dish’s texture and taste. I’ve got some tips for you. One big issue is when the sauce is too thick or too thin. You can fix this by changing the liquid-to-cream ratio or adding a thickener.

Seasoning can also be a problem. It’s key to taste and adjust the seasoning to avoid it being too salty or bland. Using fresh herbs and spices makes a big difference in taste. Also, the right amount of soy sauce, Creole seasoning, and olive oil balance the flavors well.

Delicious Variations to Try

Smothered chicken offers endless recipe variations. You can add herbs, spices, or vegetables to make it your own. Try different combinations to find your favorite.

Adding thyme and rosemary gives it a savory taste. Bell peppers and mushrooms add color and texture. For dietary needs, you can also make it gluten-free or low-carb.

Here are some of my recomended ideas to get you started:

Herb and spice combinations: Try pairing thyme with garlic, or rosemary with lemon.
Vegetable add-ins: Add some sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms to the dish.
Dietary modifications: Substitute gluten-free flour, or use low-carb ingredients to reduce the carb content.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing and reheating smothered chicken is key to keeping it tasty and safe. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Always use an airtight container and refrigerate or freeze it quickly.

Here are some important tips for storing and reheating smothered chicken:

You can easily store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Freeze-cooked chicken for up to three months.
Reheat chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture during reheating.

Conclusion: Mastering Your Smothered Chicken and Rice Journey

As we wrap up our smothered chicken and rice recipe, I urge you to master this comfort food. Making a creamy, flavorful dish takes practice and patience. But the joy it brings is worth every effort.

Don’t be shy to try new things with this recipe. Mix different herbs and spices, add veggies, or make it healthier for your family. Smothered chicken and rice is all about being creative in the kitchen.

Keep sharing your cooking stories, successes, and challenges. Connect with other home cooks to learn and grow together. Let’s celebrate by making tasty meals that bring us closer to each other.

Smothered Chicken and Rice – Creamy, Flavorful Family Favorite

Cooking Method: 20-Minute Curries Recipe Keys: Chicken Recipe Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 40 mins Total Time 1 hr

Cooking Temp: 190 °C Calories: 450

Best Season: Fall, Winter

Description

Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy gravy, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. This smothered chicken with gravy is a family favorite, offering rich flavors and hearty textures. The chicken is seared for a crispy exterior, then smothered in a cheesy gravy and baked over rice that absorbs all the savory juices. Whether you need an easy chicken rice and gravy recipe for a weeknight or a smothered chicken recipe to impress, this versatile dish fits the bill. Perfect for any season, especially the colder months, it’s a must-try for fans of baked-smothered chicken. This recipe balances creaminess and spice, making it a staple for those who love experimenting with chicken recipes and chicken gravy recipes.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 190°C.
Prepare the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper if using. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken breasts until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce

To prepare the sauce, melt the butter in the same pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and garlic until transparent. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the shredded cheese and whisk until it is melted and smooth. If necessary, add more salt and pepper to adjust the seasoning.
Assemble the dish

In a baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Pour the creamy sauce over the rice, then arrange the seared chicken breasts on top.
Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender.
Garnish and serve

After taking it out of the oven, let it a few minutes to rest before garnishing and serving. Garnish with freshly cut parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20g31%
Saturated Fat 10g50%
Cholesterol 100mg34%
Sodium 800mg34%
Total Carbohydrate 40g14%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 3g
Protein 30g60%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to lengthen the baking time by 10 to 15 minutes.

Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?

For a milder version, use half and half or whole milk; however, the sauce may be less rich.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! For more flavor and nutrition, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.