Craving a warm, comforting meal that’s rich, creamy, and full of flavor? This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Tender, juicy chicken is smothered in a creamy, savory sauce, then served over fluffy rice for the ultimate comfort food experience. The best part? It’s easy to make in under 40 minutes!
Let’s get started! 🍽️
Ingredients Required
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water, if needed for thickening)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth (for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra parmesan cheese
- A squeeze of lemon juice
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large skillet or pan
- Medium saucepan (for rice)
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Stir in 1 cup of rice and 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes (white rice) or 35 minutes (brown rice) until tender.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thin cutlets.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up the browned bits from the pan (this adds extra flavor).
- Lower heat to medium-low and add heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- If the sauce needs thickening, stir in cornstarch mixed with water and simmer for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken and Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes.
- Serve the smothered chicken over the cooked rice.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
Tips for the Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for an even juicier dish.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! It stays tender when cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Want extra veggies? Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- Make it dairy-free by substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream.
Variations of the Recipe
1. Spicy Cajun Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning for extra heat.
2. Cheesy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Stir in ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for a richer sauce.
3. Low-Carb/Keto Version
- Swap rice for cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice pairs well with:
- Garlic Roasted Vegetables – For a healthy side.
- Steamed Broccoli or Asparagus – Adds extra nutrients.
- A Side Salad – A crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
How to Store and Reheat
Storing:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing:
- You can freeze the chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy rice in a meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a favorite!
Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out! 🍲✨
FAQs
1. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes! Just increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes per side.
2. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, Greek yogurt, or coconut milk for a lighter version.
3. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) or more parmesan cheese.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Store the chicken and sauce separately, then reheat and serve over fresh rice.
5. What’s the best way to add more flavor?
Use smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or a splash of white wine in the sauce.
