Smothered Chicken Over Rice

Smothered Chicken Over Rice is a hearty, comforting dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered in a rich, flavorful gravy. Served over rice, this dish combines perfectly seasoned chicken, caramelized onions, and a creamy, savory sauce for the ultimate cozy meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Flavorful – A well-seasoned chicken coated in a creamy, savory gravy.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients with an easy cooking process.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Great for leftovers and reheats well.
• Comfort Food Classic – A satisfying and cozy meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Chicken & Seasoning:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium-to-large onion, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream

Directions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner cutlets.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.

Prepare the Seasoned Flour

3. In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
4. Take 2 tablespoons of this seasoned flour and set it aside for later (this will be used to thicken the gravy).

Cook the Chicken

5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and shake off any excess.
7. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
8. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Caramelize the Onions

9. Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
10. Once melted, add sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until they become soft and golden brown.
11. If the onions begin to burn, lower the heat slightly.

Make the Gravy

12. Sprinkle the reserved 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour over the caramelized onions. Stir continuously and cook for about a minute.
13. Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce while stirring constantly to dissolve the flour. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
14. Stir in the heavy cream and mix well.

Finish Cooking the Chicken

15. Return the chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the gravy thickens.
16. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

17. Serve the smothered chicken over cooked rice and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Spice Level – Add more cayenne if you like extra heat.
• Thicker Gravy – If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer.
• Extra Creamy – Stir in an extra splash of heavy cream for added richness.
• Vegetable Addition – Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a classic pairing.
• Enjoy with mashed potatoes for an extra creamy meal.
• Pair with a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious gravy.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.

What can I serve this with besides rice?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, or even cauliflower rice work well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It reheats well and makes for great leftovers.

Conclusion

Smothered Chicken Over Rice is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its tender chicken, caramelized onions, and creamy gravy, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy it over rice for a hearty and satisfying dinner!

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