Description

A comforting and flavorful Creamy Chicken and Rice recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, fluffy long grain rice, rich plant-based cream, and savory smoked turkey bacon. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends, delivering warm, homey flavors and a perfectly balanced creamy texture with a smoky kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in
1 cup long grain rice
1 cup plant-based cream
4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika natural
1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cut the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and fry in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon, and in the same pan, season chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and paprika natural. Brown the thighs on both sides until golden, then set aside.
Cook the Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with a little oil. Cook until softened and fragrant, building the base flavor for the rice.
Add Rice and Broth: Pour the rice into the skillet, stirring to coat each grain with the aromatic mixture. Add the chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken thighs and crispy smoked turkey bacon to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Finish with Plant-Based Cream: Stir in the plant-based cream and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. If a thicker sauce is preferred, dissolve a small amount of natural gelling agent in water and stir it in until the sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.

Notes

Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
Brown the chicken and bacon well to enhance the dish’s depth.
Cook the rice slowly to allow full absorption of flavors without mushiness.
Add plant-based cream gradually to achieve the perfect creamy texture.
Add fresh parsley at the end to keep its brightness and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet Cooking
Cuisine: Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, plant-based cream, smoked turkey bacon, quick dinner, comforting meal, gluten free