Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a luscious plant-based cream sauce with smoky turkey bacon and fluffy long grain rice. This one-pot meal combines rich textures and smoky undertones, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Aromatics and Flavorings

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/4 cup grape juice

Cream and Thickening

  • 1 cup plant-based cream
  • 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry, then generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful crust.
  2. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet or deep pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pan with the turkey bacon fat. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. Build the Flavor Base: Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic in the same pan until translucent and fragrant. Deglaze with a splash of grape juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan to enhance flavor.
  5. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to coat it with the flavor base. Pour in the chicken broth mixed with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and bring to a simmer.
  6. Layer in the Cream and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Reduce heat, add the plant-based cream and chopped smoked turkey bacon, then return the chicken thighs to the pan. Cover and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  7. Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the sauce and stir well to achieve a creamy, thick consistency that clings to each bite.
  8. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the dish for color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs for more flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Don’t rush searing to develop a crisp golden crust for better flavor.
  • Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty aroma.
  • Adjust plant-based cream amount to control sauce creaminess.
  • Let the dish rest off heat for a few minutes to meld flavors before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Creamy chicken rice, smothered chicken, plant-based cream sauce, turkey bacon rice, one pot chicken dinner, comforting chicken recipe, gluten free chicken recipe

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice/