Creamy, cozy one-pan dinner
This comforting smothered chicken and rice recipe is pure cozy goodness—tender chicken simmered in a rich, savory gravy and served over fluffy rice. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day and works perfectly for busy weeknights or relaxed Sunday dinners. With simple pantry staples and one pan, you’ll have a hearty, family-friendly comfort food recipe that tastes like it cooked all day. Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this chicken and rice dish is easy enough for beginners but delicious enough to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. 🍗🍚
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet with lid
- Medium saucepan (for rice)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
- Sauté onions in the same pan for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. 😋
- Sprinkle flour over onions, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a light roux.
- Slowly pour in broth, stirring until smooth. Add cream and thyme; simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thick and glossy.
- Return chicken to skillet, cover, and simmer on low for 18–20 minutes until chicken is tender. 🍗
- Meanwhile, cook rice according to package directions while the chicken simmers.
- Serve chicken over rice, spooning plenty of gravy on top. Garnish with parsley and enjoy! ✨
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra flavor: Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the gravy for depth.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half if desired.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze chicken and gravy separately from rice for best texture.