Go Back
To make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need for this tasty dish: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting meal. The chicken thighs add richness, while the rice soaks up all the flavors. Onion and garlic give it a nice aroma. The heavy cream makes everything creamy and smooth. Don't forget the spinach for a pop of color and nutrients. Finally, the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory kick. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Always choose high-quality chicken and fresh veggies for the best taste. With this list, you can make a delicious dinner that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. This adds great flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want them browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Next, we will make the base for our creamy dish. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and fragrant. This will add a wonderful aroma to your meal. After that, stir in the long-grain rice. Cook it for 2 minutes to lightly toast it. Toasting the rice adds depth to its flavor. Now, it’s time to simmer our dish. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the rice to soak up the broth. The rice should be tender and fluffy when done. After that, stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until the spinach wilts. This adds a lovely creaminess and color to the dish. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet. Nestle them into the creamy rice mixture. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Cover for another 2 to 3 minutes to melt the cheese. This gives the dish a rich, cheesy finish. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Your creamy smothered chicken and rice is now ready to enjoy! - Ensuring chicken is perfectly cooked: Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. This step adds flavor and texture. - Achieving creamy rice texture: Use long-grain rice for the best results. Toasting the rice for a few minutes adds depth. Make sure to cover the skillet while simmering. This keeps the steam in and helps the rice cook evenly. Stir in the heavy cream slowly for a rich finish. - Alternative spices and seasonings: Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for more flavor. A dash of cayenne pepper gives a nice kick. You can also use herbs like thyme or rosemary. These will add new layers of taste without straying far from the original recipe. - Recommended side dishes to serve with: Pair this dish with a fresh green salad for balance. Roasted vegetables are also a great choice. They add color and nutrition to your meal. For a heartier option, serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help achieve a fluffier texture. Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness. They remain juicy even after cooking longer than other cuts. Adding Spinach: Add the spinach towards the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients. It will wilt beautifully in the creamy sauce. Garnishing: For an extra touch, use freshly grated Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to enhance the dish's flavors. {{image_2}} You can replace heavy cream with several options. Use half-and-half for a lighter texture. Coconut milk adds a nice twist and keeps it dairy-free. For a low-fat option, try Greek yogurt. It will give a creamy feel without the calories. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well. You can also use kale instead of spinach for added nutrients. Adding carrots can give a sweet touch and vibrant color to your dish. To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular rice with brown rice or quinoa. Always check the chicken broth for gluten-free labels. This ensures you enjoy a safe and tasty meal. If you're looking for a low-calorie version, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Swap heavy cream for low-fat yogurt or almond milk. Reducing the cheese or using nutritional yeast can also help cut calories without losing flavor. Enjoy your creamy smothered chicken and rice while staying healthy! After you finish your meal, let the creamy smothered chicken and rice cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always check for any strange smells or colors before eating. You can freeze creamy chicken and rice for later. Just make sure it’s completely cool first. Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container. It can stay good for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to make it creamy again. Stir it well until heated through. Enjoy your delicious meal! Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will cook faster, so check them after 5-6 minutes. They should be juicy and tender. However, thighs give a richer flavor and stay moist better. How do I prevent the rice from sticking? To prevent the rice from sticking, rinse it under cold water before cooking. This removes excess starch. Also, avoid stirring too much while it cooks. Keep the lid on during simmering. This helps the rice absorb the broth evenly. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Cook it fully and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet with a bit of broth or cream for added moisture. This blog post covered a delicious creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe. We discussed the key ingredients, from chicken thighs to Parmesan cheese. I outlined simple step-by-step instructions to cook the dish perfectly. You learned helpful cooking tips and how to customize the recipe to fit your needs. In conclusion, this meal is easy to make and fun to share. Enjoy the rich flavors and feel free to experiment. You can create a dish that suits your taste. Happy cooking!

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A delicious and creamy dish featuring chicken thighs, rice, and spinach, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  • Stir in the rice and cook for an additional 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
  • Return the cooked chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and cover for another 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

Serve the dish in a deep bowl, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a gourmet finish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot meal, rice