Description
This Smothered Chicken with Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy garlic and herb sauce, served over fluffy cooked rice and garnished with fresh parsley. The sauce is enriched with cheddar cheese for extra richness, making this meal perfect for a hearty dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
To Serve
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Deglaze and Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the heavy cream and dried thyme, along with a pinch of paprika. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Cheese and Finish Sauce: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese if using, allowing it to melt smoothly into the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the smothered chicken and sauce over prepared cooked rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh touch.
Notes
- If desired, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Using cooked rice is recommended; you can use white, brown, or jasmine rice depending on your preference.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially the salt and paprika levels.
- Cheddar cheese is optional but adds a nice richness and depth to the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free.
