Description
Creamy smothered chicken and rice baked to perfection with tender chicken thighs, fluffy rice, and a rich garlic herb cream sauce that brings pure comfort to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, about 1.5 pounds
- 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the onions. Pour the broth and cream mixture over the rice. Place the seared chicken thighs on top, ensuring the rice is fully submerged.
- Cover tightly and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm, making sure each portion includes both creamy rice and tender chicken.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, lightly toast the rice for a minute before adding the liquid.
- Make sure the dish is tightly covered to prevent the rice from drying out.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce thickens naturally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy smothered chicken and rice, baked chicken and rice, comfort food dinner, one pan chicken meal