Description
How to make creamy smothered chicken and rice with tender chicken, a rich sauce, and fluffy rice that your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- Main Components:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- Flavor Enhancers & Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Finishing Touches:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Start by melting butter in a large skillet. Add diced onion, celery, and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This builds the flavorful foundation for your delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice.
- Brown Chicken: Push vegetables aside. Add chicken pieces to the skillet and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over chicken and vegetables, stirring for 1 minute to create a light roux.
- Simmer Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to deglaze. Stir in Dijon mustard, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cook Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Resist the urge to peek during this crucial cooking time.
- Add Cream: Remove from heat. Gently stir in the heavy cream and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. This makes your Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice extra rich and wonderfully decadent.
- Stir Cheese: Stir the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and fresh parsley into the chicken and rice mixture. Ensure the cheese melts into the warm sauce, creating gooey pockets of flavor throughout this comforting dish.
- Garnish & Serve: Spoon generous portions of the Cozy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice onto plates. Garnish with additional fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and watch your family enjoy this satisfying new favorite meal!
Notes
Never peek while rice cooks; escaping steam causes mushy results. Trust the timer for perfect, fluffy rice every time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container, refrigerating promptly for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch (half the amount). Ensure broth is gluten-free.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley. Pair with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors beautifully.
Allow the dish to rest 5 minutes off heat after cooking. This improves rice texture and lets flavors meld beautifully.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten