Smothered Chicken & Rice Skillet Bake

Smothered Chicken & Rice Skillet Bake

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season and Sear the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice Base:

1. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
2. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, milk, thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
2. Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.

5. Assemble the Dish:

1. Pour the creamy sauce over the rice mixture in the skillet and mix gently.
2. Nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up.

6. Bake the Dish:

1. Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.

7. Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Conclusion

The Smothered Chicken & Rice Skillet Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed meal that brings everyone to the table. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice make it a satisfying dish for any occasion. Serve it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables, and enjoy a hearty, homemade dinner that feels like a hug on a plate!