There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy smothered chicken and rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas and bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. This dish is all about simple, homey flavors coming together in the best way possible—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice soaking up all that goodness.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or a satisfying dinner to please the whole family, this creamy smothered chicken and rice is a surefire winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash—a major bonus!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – The luscious sauce coats every bite, making it irresistibly delicious.
- One-Pot Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor. A dream come true for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly – This dish is a crowd-pleaser with its mild, comforting flavors.
- Easy to Customize – Add veggies, swap seasonings, or adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Perfect for Leftovers – It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This spice blend gives the chicken a deep, flavorful crust when seared.
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage—just focus on getting that delicious sear. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds even more depth to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Now, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. The sauce should be rich and velvety.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and stir in the rice, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork once done.
Step 5: Smother the Chicken and Simmer
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken occasionally to keep it juicy and flavorful.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, plate a generous scoop of fluffy rice and top it with a smothered chicken breast. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Helpful Tips
- Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor – If you have bone-in, skin-on chicken, feel free to use it! Just adjust the cooking time to ensure it cooks through.
- Don’t Skip the Searing Step – Browning the chicken first locks in moisture and adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Thin Out the Sauce If Needed – If the sauce gets too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Try It with Brown Rice – If you prefer whole grains, swap white rice for brown rice—just increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Make It Spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- If you want to make this a complete one-pot meal, you can cook the rice directly in the sauce. Just add an extra cup of broth and let it simmer until the rice is tender.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well and may even add extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs take a bit longer to cook through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Yes! Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
What Vegetables Can I Add?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or peas make great additions. Simply sauté them with the onions or stir them into the sauce before simmering.
Related Recipes
If you loved this creamy smothered chicken and rice, you might also enjoy:
- Creamy Chicken with Boursin Sauce (Garlic and Fine Herbs)
- Bang Bang Chicken
- Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Creamy Garlic Chicken – A Comforting Classic
Conclusion
This creamy smothered chicken and rice is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on flavor and convenience.
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy smothered chicken and rice. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, filling your kitchen with rich, savory aromas and bringing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. This dish is all about simple, homey flavors coming together in the best way possible—tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked rice soaking up all that goodness.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or a satisfying dinner to please the whole family, this creamy smothered chicken and rice is a surefire winner. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning fewer dishes to wash—a major bonus!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This spice blend gives the chicken a deep, flavorful crust when seared.
Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage—just focus on getting that delicious sear. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the chopped onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the creamy sauce.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—this adds even more depth to the sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, parsley, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Now, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. The sauce should be rich and velvety.
In a separate pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and stir in the rice, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork once done.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken occasionally to keep it juicy and flavorful.
To serve, plate a generous scoop of fluffy rice and top it with a smothered chicken breast. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of extra cheese for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- If you want to make this a complete one-pot meal, you can cook the rice directly in the sauce. Just add an extra cup of broth and let it simmer until the rice is tender.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.