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Delicious creamy smothered chicken served with rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting one-pan meal featuring golden-seared chicken thighs in a silky, garlicky cream sauce served over tender rice. Perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the chicken and sauce
  • 4 pieces chicken thighs, skin-on or skinless Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor or boneless for faster cooking.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half.
  • 1 cup peas (optional) Frozen peas can be used; add them straight from frozen.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Do not let it brown.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper Adjust seasoning at the end.
For the rice
  • 1 cup rice, rinsed until the water runs clear Drain well before cooking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the runoff is clear. Drain and set aside.
  2. Simmer the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water, covered, for 18 to 20 minutes. Fluff when done.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil.
  2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Sear in the skillet for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  5. Remove the chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium-low.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. If using, stir in the peas and let them warm through for 2 to 3 minutes.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes.
Serving
  1. Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over the fluffed rice and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

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