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The Ultimate Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice for Cozy Comfort

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  • Prep Time: 25-35 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 Minutes
  • Total Time: 55-75 Minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

How to make tender chicken and fluffy rice smothered in a rich, savory creamy sauce that your family will absolutely adore for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Base Components:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • Aromatics & Flavor Builders:
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 celery stalk, finely diced
  • 4 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • Seasonings & Spices:
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Finishing & Garnish:
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients: Start by cutting chicken into 1-inch pieces and chopping all your vegetables. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme now. This foundational prep makes building your Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice smoother.
  2. Sear & Sauté: Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until lightly browned, then remove. Add remaining butter and sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Build Cream Sauce: Whisk in flour to the pot, cooking for one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in softened cream cheese until fully emulsified, creating the rich sauce for this dish.
  4. Cook Chicken & Rice: Return the seared chicken to the pot. Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Rest & Thicken: Remove the pot from heat and let the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully steam and the sauce to thicken perfectly. Gently fluff the mixture with a fork.
  6. Garnish & Assemble: If using, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the hot mixture and let it melt for a minute. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. This step completes your homemade Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
  7. Serve Warm: Ladle generous portions of this comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice onto plates. Serve immediately while hot, perhaps with a side salad or crusty bread. Enjoy every cozy, satisfying bite of your family meal.

Notes

Don’t skip the crucial 5-minute rest after cooking for perfectly steamed rice and a beautifully thickened sauce.

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Avoid low-fat cream or cream cheese; full-fat ingredients are essential for ultimate richness and proper sauce consistency.

Serve immediately with fresh parsley, perhaps a green salad or crusty bread, for a cozy, satisfying meal.

For deeper flavor, brown flour slightly before adding liquids, or deglaze the pan after searing chicken.

**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Gluten

Find it online: https://tastetrend.net/the-ultimate-creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-for-cozy-comfort/