Craving a warm, soul-satisfying meal? This Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food hug on a plate! Tender chicken chunks are seared to perfection, then simmered in a creamy, spiced sauce with a hint of tang from optional tomatoes. Served over fluffy white rice, it’s a dish that wraps you in flavor and feels like home. I love how easy it is to make—ready in under 40 minutes—yet tastes like it’s been simmering all day. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, let’s get this skillet going!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into chunks – Juicy, bite-sized pieces.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken.
1 medium onion, diced – Sweet and savory depth.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Bold, aromatic flavor.
1 cup chicken broth – The base of the rich sauce.
½ cup heavy cream – Creamy, dreamy texture.
½ cup diced tomatoes (optional) – A tangy, fresh touch.
1 teaspoon paprika – Warm color and subtle smokiness.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy, herby goodness.
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) – A spicy kick you can dial up or down.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – A bright, fresh finish.
2 cups cooked white rice – Fluffy base to soak up the sauce.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready for comfort food magic!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes – Quick chopping and seasoning.
Cook Time: 25 minutes – Fast searing and simmering.
Total Time: 35 minutes – A cozy meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Smothered Chicken and Rice with ease—here’s how:
Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken chunks with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides until golden. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the diced tomatoes (if using), dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and meld the flavors.
Combine and Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is rich and creamy.
Serve: Spoon the smothered chicken and sauce over a bed of cooked white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and savor the comfort!
Tips & Tricks
Make this dish even better with these handy pointers:
Chicken Choice: Thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts keep it lean—both work great!
Spice Control: Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for more fire.
Tomato Twist: Skip the tomatoes for a smoother sauce, or use canned for convenience.
Rice Prep: Cook the rice ahead or use leftovers to save time—jasmine or basmati add a nice touch.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach or mushrooms with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a complete meal, but these sides elevate it:
Garlic Bread: Crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce.
Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed for a fresh, crisp contrast.
Side Salad: A simple salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Sweet Tea: A cold glass for true Southern comfort vibes.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy this dish later (it’s awesome as leftovers!):
Storage: Store chicken, sauce, and rice separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes. Reheat rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel over it for 1-2 minutes.
Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently—cook fresh rice when serving.
Nutrition Info
This dish is hearty and balanced! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings, with rice):
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 34g – From the chicken.
Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 12g) – From the cream and oil.
Carbohydrates: 32g – Mostly from the rice and tomatoes.
Fiber: 2g – A bit from the veggies.
Sugar: 4g – Naturally occurring in the tomatoes and cream.
Sodium: 900mg – Varies with broth and salt; adjust to taste.
*Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion