Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
Why make this recipe
Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, flavorful rice, and a rich cream sauce all in one pan. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or any night when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and the cleanup is minimal. Plus, it’s a complete meal that satisfies your hunger!
How to make Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
- Add the rice and stir for a minute to toast it slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to serve Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
Serve Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice straight from the pan for a cozy family meal. It pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. If you want, you can also add some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to store Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep it nice and creamy.
Tips to make Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken to ensure an even sear.
- For added flavor, you can use herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking the chicken or in the sauce.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat cream alternative.
Variation
For a twist, you can add different vegetables to the dish, like bell peppers or spinach. You can also use brown rice instead of white rice, but remember that it may take longer to cook.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them first for even cooking.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water, but chicken broth adds more flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them separately. Reheat before serving.
Creamy Skillet Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onions and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until they are tender.
- Add the rice and stir for a minute to toast it slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked.
- Stir in heavy cream and return the chicken to the skillet.
- Simmer for an additional 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
