Description
This comforting Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe combines tender chicken thighs, fragrant spices, and creamy sharp Cheddar cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce cooked together with basmati rice. Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-pan skillet meal is perfect for a hearty family dinner, featuring a luscious, cheesy smothered topping and optional creamy garnishes like sour cream and heavy cream for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1-1/2 cups)
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional, baby bella recommended)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1-1/4 cups uncooked basmati rice
Liquids & Dairy
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for serving)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- 1 gently packed cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Thickening
- 2-1/2 tablespoons flour
- Salt and pepper to taste (approximately 1/2 teaspoon each added during cooking)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Onion & Mushrooms: Melt butter and heat olive oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns golden and translucent. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally until mushrooms are softened.
- Add Chicken & Garlic: Stir in the bite-size chicken thigh pieces and minced garlic. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Cook on high heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the chicken pieces turn white on the outside but are not fully cooked through.
- Add Rice & Seasonings: Mix in the uncooked basmati rice and all the seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to toast the rice and allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Make The Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle the flour evenly over the mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in half of the milk until the sauce is smooth. Then add the remaining milk and continue whisking. Pour in the chicken broth while whisking constantly to incorporate and create a creamy sauce.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 10 to 12 minutes, until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Rest: Remove the lid from the skillet. The rice should be cooked but with a small amount of liquid remaining around it. Quickly cover again and let the dish rest off the heat for 10 minutes, allowing the residual heat to finish absorbing any liquid and to fully tenderize the rice.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in half of the sharp Cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated. Smooth the surface, then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top. Cover and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. Gently stir again, and if you prefer a creamier texture, gradually add the optional heavy cream while stirring gently. Serve hot, topped with freshly chopped parsley and scoops of sour cream if desired.
Notes
- For best texture, use boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
- Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and fluffy texture, but other long-grain rice varieties can be substituted.
- If the rice is still crunchy or there is too much liquid after cooking, add a little more broth or water, cover, and cook a few more minutes until tender.
- Resting the dish off heat with the lid on allows the rice to fully absorb remaining liquid and helps develop a creamy consistency.
- The optional mushrooms add earthiness but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- The addition of sour cream and heavy cream when serving increases creaminess and richness but can be skipped for a lighter version.
