Description
This creamy smothered chicken rice dish combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful rice, mushrooms, and peas, all enveloped in a rich sauce. It’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme, coating them evenly on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Stir in the rice, coating it with the onion, garlic, and mushroom mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, remaining thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- After 15 minutes, check the rice; if it’s still soupy, cook for a few more minutes. Stir in the frozen peas.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice, and pour the creamy sauce over everything.
- Cover the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C).
- If the chicken isn’t done, cover and cook for a few more minutes.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes.
- Serve by scooping the creamy rice onto plates with a piece of chicken on top, drizzling the creamy sauce over everything.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and enjoy with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes