Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – A Cozy One-Pan Comfort Meal
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal made with tender seared chicken, long-grain rice, and a rich, creamy herb sauce — perfect for cozy dinners and family meals.
Ingredients
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4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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1 small onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp butter
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cups chicken broth
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¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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½ can cream of chicken soup (optional)
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear in butter and oil until browned; remove and set aside.
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Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Stir in rice and toast briefly.
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Add broth, cream, soup (if using), and thyme. Stir to combine.
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Nestle chicken back into skillet. Cover and simmer on low for 25–30 minutes.
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Remove from heat, rest 5 minutes. Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
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Use boneless chicken for faster cooking.
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Add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra texture.
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Skip soup and use cornstarch to thicken for a cleaner sauce.