Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is not just a comfort dish; it’s a delightful combination of tender chicken simmered in a rich, cheese-infused sauce, served over fluffy rice. I remember the first time I made it on a busy weeknight. The kids were tired and grumpy after school, but as soon as that creamy aroma wafted through the kitchen, their mood transformed. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you crave something hearty yet simple enough to whip up in under an hour. It’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a cozy meal that feels indulgent without the fuss.

Why you’ll love this dish

There are plenty of reasons to try out Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup for you. The savory flavors of garlic, onion, and smoked paprika dance beautifully together, ensuring a delicious outcome every time. Budget-friendly meals are always a bonus, especially when they don’t skimp on flavor. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal on a chilly evening.

"Absolutely delicious! The sauce is so creamy and the chicken is so tender. My kids went back for seconds!" – A satisfied home cook.

How this recipe comes together

From start to finish, making Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a joy. You’ll first sear the chicken to golden perfection and then cook the rice gently in chicken broth to infuse it with flavor. The creamy sauce is crafted in the same skillet, allowing all those wonderful chicken drippings to enhance the richness of the dish. Lastly, everything comes together with a sprinkle of cheese and a gentle simmer.

What you’ll need

Gather these key ingredients to create this creamy delight:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for the sauce)
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version, and feel free to mix different types of cheese if you prefer a sharper flavor.

Directions to follow

Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
While the rice cooks, prepare the creamy sauce. In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk and the remaining chicken broth until thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Serve the creamy chicken over the fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Best ways to enjoy it

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is heavenly served with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. For a twist, pair it with a glass of white wine or a light sparkling drink. You could also consider adding a side of sautéed greens to balance the richness of the dish.

Storage and reheating tips

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce mixture (without the rice) for up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before freezing to maintain the best texture.

Tricks for success

Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even browning.
Don’t skip the step of simmering the sauce; it allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
For added texture, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before serving.

Creative twists

Feel free to lend your own touch to this recipe! You might try adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness, or swap out the cheeses for mozzarella and feta for a Mediterranean spin. For a bit of heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

Your questions answered

What is the preparation time?
The overall preparation and cooking time for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is approximately 45 minutes.
Can this recipe be made ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy sauce and cook the rice a day in advance. When ready to serve, simply reheat and add the chicken.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth is a great substitute if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. You can even use water with a bit of added seasoning in a pinch.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes! The chicken and sauce can be frozen together, but we recommend freezing without the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is sure to become a staple in your household—quick to make and undeniably satisfying! Enjoy those cozy meals!

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce, served over fluffy rice.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning and sauce
1 teaspoon onion powder for seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika for seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth for cooking rice and sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sauce
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for thicken the sauce
1.5 cups whole milk for creamy sauce
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley to taste chopped for garnish

Instructions

Preparation

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Sauce Preparation

In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and the remaining chicken broth until thickened.
Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

Assembly

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Serve the creamy chicken over the fluffy rice, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For added texture, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach just before serving. The chicken can be substituted with turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Keyword comfort food, creamy chicken, Family Dinner, One-Pan Meal, Weeknight Dinner