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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – The Ultimate Comfort Meal

Creamy smothered chicken and rice on a white plate with parsley garnish
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Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory Parmesan cream sauce served over fluffy rice. Ultimate comfort food that’s ready to serve.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups cooked rice, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown, no longer pink in center, and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
  5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.
  6. Stir in the heavy cream, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  8. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
  9. Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Start rice before cooking chicken so it’s ready when dish is done.
  • Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For lighter version, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich. Add extra tablespoon of flour if using milk.
  • Add splash of white wine after cooking vegetables for extra depth of flavor.
  • If sauce is too thick, thin with additional chicken broth.

Nutrition

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