Description
Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this soulful Smothered Chicken and Rice, where tender chicken bathes in a creamy, herb-infused gravy. Hearty layers of flavor will satisfy your soul with each comforting, home-style bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Aromatics and Vegetables:
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh)
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (473 milliliters)
- 1 cup heavy cream (237 milliliters)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 milliliters)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Paprika to taste
Grains:
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (200 grams)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Place a skillet over medium heat, drizzle with olive oil, and gently sauté minced garlic and diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce chicken breasts to the skillet, cooking each side until a rich golden-brown color develops, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
- Deglaze the pan by pouring chicken broth and using a spatula to scrape up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
- Incorporate heavy cream, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika to create a luxurious sauce.
- Fold uncooked rice and green peas into the skillet, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Shield the dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid is completely absorbed.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Rice Absorption: Opt for long-grain white rice to ensure perfect absorption of creamy sauce and prevent mushiness.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
- Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or parsley before serving to add brightness and aromatic depth to the dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg