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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain rice - 1 onion, diced - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices - 1 cup heavy cream For the main ingredients, chicken thighs add flavor and juiciness. Long-grain rice gives the dish a nice texture. The onion, garlic, and bell pepper create a savory base. The broth and diced tomatoes add moisture and depth. - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil The smoked paprika and thyme bring warmth and earthiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken and veggies. - Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. It also brings a fresh flavor that brightens the dish. You can sprinkle it on just before serving for a beautiful touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Searing the Chicken Thighs First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This adds a nice flavor. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside. - Seasoning Tips Use fresh spices to boost flavor. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky taste. Salt and pepper are key for enhancing all other flavors. Don’t be shy; season well! - Sautéing the Mixture In the same skillet, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Sauté these for 3-4 minutes. You want the vegetables to soften and get fragrant. This step builds the base of your dish. - Toasting the Rice Now, add the long-grain rice to the skillet. Stir it into the vegetables for 1-2 minutes. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor. It helps the rice absorb all the delicious juices later on. - Adding Liquids Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well to combine. This creates a rich, flavorful sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. - Cooking On Low Heat Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Nestle it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid. Now, reduce the heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes. This allows the chicken to cook through and the rice to become tender. If you smell something amazing, you’re doing it right! Avoiding Overcooking To avoid overcooking, you need to watch the timing closely. When you sear the chicken, cook it for about 5 minutes on each side. This gives it a nice golden color. After that, the chicken will finish cooking in the rice mixture. Make sure to cover the skillet to keep the moisture in. This will keep the chicken juicy and tender. Ensuring Creamy Texture The heavy cream is key for a creamy texture. After the rice absorbs most of the liquid, drizzle the cream over the dish. Stir it gently to mix it in. Let it heat through for about 5 minutes. This will make the dish rich and smooth. Prepping Ingredients Ahead You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Dice the onion, bell pepper, and garlic the day before. Store them in the fridge. Measure out the rice and broth as well. This makes cooking quicker and less stressful. Meal Prep Tips This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and store it in containers. It keeps well in the fridge for a few days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Presentation Tips for a Beautiful Dish Serve this dish in shallow bowls. Place a piece of chicken on a bed of creamy rice. This looks nice and makes it easy to eat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds freshness and makes the dish look inviting. Pairing Suggestions This meal pairs well with a simple green salad. A side of steamed vegetables also works great. These sides add crunch and balance the creamy rice. Enjoy your meal with a light drink, like iced tea or lemonade. Pro Tips Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain its juices and ensures a moist texture when served. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini or carrots based on your preference. This adds variety and nutrition to the dish. Use Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs such as thyme or basil just before serving. This enhances the dish's aroma and taste. Check Rice Doneness: Before serving, check the rice for doneness. If it’s still firm, add a splash of additional broth and simmer until fully cooked. {{image_2}} Different Cuts of Chicken You can use various cuts of chicken for this recipe. If you prefer chicken breasts, they work well too. Just remember, breasts may cook faster than thighs. Adjust the cooking time to ensure they don’t dry out. If you want more flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken. The skin adds richness. Alternative Grains While long-grain rice is a classic choice, you can swap it for other grains. Quinoa is a great option that adds protein. Brown rice gives a nutty flavor and is heartier. Just note that cooking times will vary. Always check the water needed for different grains. Adding Spices Want to spice things up? You can add cayenne pepper for heat or cumin for warmth. These spices blend well with the smoky flavor of paprika. Experiment and find the balance that suits your taste. A little extra garlic can also add depth if you love that flavor. Incorporating Vegetables Feel free to mix in more vegetables. Carrots, peas, or even spinach can add color and nutrition. Just chop them small and add them when you sauté the onion and bell pepper. This way, they cook evenly and blend into the dish nicely. Gluten-Free Options If you need a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice. Always check your broth to ensure it’s gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten. This way, you can enjoy a tasty dish without worry. Dairy-Free Modifications To make this dish dairy-free, switch out the heavy cream for coconut milk. This adds a nice flavor and keeps the dish creamy. You might also try using a dairy-free cream alternative. Just be sure to check the labels for any added sugars or flavors. To store leftovers safely, let the chicken and rice cool down first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh. Make sure to put it in the fridge within two hours. You can enjoy the leftovers within three to four days. To reheat, simply take the meal out of the fridge. Place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a lid or wrap it to keep moisture in. Heat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. How do you freeze smothered chicken and rice? Start by letting it cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container. You can also use heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months. For thawing, place the container in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken safe to eat. If you need it fast, you can use the microwave. Use the defrost setting and check it often. How long will it keep in the fridge or freezer? In the fridge, it lasts about three to four days. In the freezer, it can last for three months. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Trust your senses; if it smells or looks off, it’s best to discard it. You can easily scale the recipe up. Just follow these simple steps: - Chicken Thighs: Add more thighs based on servings. For 8 servings, use 8 thighs. - Rice: Increase rice to 2 cups for every 4 servings. - Broth: Use 2 cups of chicken broth for 8 servings. - Cream: Add 2 cups of heavy cream for extra creaminess. - Vegetables: Increase onion, garlic, and bell pepper proportionally. Adjust all spices and seasonings too. Taste as you go for the best results. Yes, you can make this dish in a slow cooker. Here’s how: 1. Sear the Chicken: Brown the thighs in a skillet first. This adds flavor. 2. Layer Ingredients: Place the sautéed vegetables, rice, and liquids in the slow cooker. 3. Add Chicken: Nestle the chicken on top. 4. Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. 5. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream 30 minutes before serving. This method makes it easy and hands-free. You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. - Salad: A crisp green salad balances the creamy dish. - Cornbread: This pairs well with the flavors of the chicken. - Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Feel free to mix and match sides based on your taste. Smothered chicken and rice is a simple and tasty dish. We explored key ingredients like chicken thighs and rice, along with essential seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking, ensuring a creamy texture. I shared tips for perfecting your dish, along with variations and storage info. This meal is versatile and adapts to your needs. Enjoy your culinary journey with this comforting dish!

Savory Smothered Chicken and Rice

A delicious one-pan dish featuring tender chicken thighs smothered in creamy rice with vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 piece onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the rice to the skillet, stirring it into the vegetables for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • Once the rice has absorbed most of the liquid, remove the lid and drizzle the heavy cream over the chicken and rice dish. Stir gently to combine and allow the cream to heat through for about 5 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve this dish in shallow bowls, ensuring each serving has a piece of chicken atop a bed of creamy rice. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pan, rice