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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

4.8 from 102 reviews

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy mushroom sauce made with garlic, onions, and herbs. Served over fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Vegetables & Sauce

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp dried thyme

To Serve

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to ensure flavorful meat.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking another 4-5 minutes until mushrooms become tender.
  4. Add the flour: Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  5. Make the sauce: Gradually whisk in chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, and dried thyme, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer the chicken: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  7. Adjust sauce consistency: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve: Plate the creamy smothered chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; chicken breasts can be used but might be less tender.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat sour cream.
  • The sauce can be thickened further by adding more flour or simmered longer to reduce.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Feel free to swap white rice with brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, easy dinner, mushroom sauce