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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a warm, rich one-pot dish featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky turkey bacon, fluffy long-grain rice, and a silky creamy sauce made with plant-based cheese and cream. Enhanced with fresh herbs and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), it offers a comforting, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces

Grains & Vegetables

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped, for garnish

Liquids & Sauces

  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (plant-based)

Dairy & Fats

  • 3/4 cup grated plant-based cheese (smoked gouda-style or mozzarella-style)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (plant-based)

Other

  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon and Chicken: Cut the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces and cook in a large pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Using the rendered fat from the bacon and chicken, add diced onions and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, forming the savory base of the dish.
  3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked long-grain rice, toasting it slightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any browned bits for added flavor.
  4. Cook and Combine: Return the browned chicken thighs and crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces to the pan. Cover and simmer over low heat until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the chicken and bacon temporarily. Stir in plant-based heavy cream and grated plant-based cheese into the rice. If desired, add natural gelling agent to thicken the sauce gently. Cook over low heat until the mixture is creamy and luscious, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Finish and Garnish: Nestle the chicken thighs and bacon pieces back into the creamy rice mixture and warm through. Drizzle with vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme to brighten the dish before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for juicier meat and enhanced flavor.
  • Toast the rice first to lock in nuttiness and prevent mushiness.
  • Simmer gently when adding cream to avoid curdling.
  • Allow the dish to rest a few minutes off the heat to thicken up beautifully.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end since cheese and broth add saltiness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pan Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken rice, smoked turkey bacon, plant-based cheese, one-pot, comfort food, gluten free

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