Smothered Chicken and Rice
Smothered Chicken and Rice is a quick, satisfying dinner filled with tender chicken, savory rice, and a creamy, cheesy finish.
Equipment
- Large skillet non-stick; with a fitted lid
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped (1-½ cups)
- 2 large garlic cloves minced (1 tbsp)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional (I use baby bella)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
- 2.5 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk I use whole
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1.25 cups uncooked rice I use basmati
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese gently packed
- ¼ cup finely chopped parsley optional, for topping
- ½ cup heavy cream optional, for serving
- ½ cup sour cream optional, for serving
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Melt butter and heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add onion and cook 3–5 minutes, until golden. Add mushrooms and cook 2–3 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cubed chicken and garlic. Season to taste (I add ½ teaspoon each of salt & pepper). Cook, stirring only occasionally, until chicken turns white on the outside, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice and all seasonings. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half the milk until smooth, then add the rest. Stir in broth while whisking constantly.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 10–12 minutes.
- Remove lid. The rice should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. Let stand off heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir in half the cheese. Smooth the surface, sprinkle with the remaining cheese, cover, and let stand until melted. Stir gently and add heavy cream gradually if desired.
- Serve hot, topped with parsley and scoops of sour cream if desired.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 630kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 32gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 518mgPotassium: 548mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 813IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 311mgIron: 2mg
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