Name: Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ½ cup chicken broth; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon thyme; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you are looking for a cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious dish to add to your weeknight dinner rotation, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, served over perfectly cooked white rice. Each bite bursts with layers of flavor—from the savory seasoning on the chicken to the luscious creaminess of the sauce—making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving some soul-satisfying food, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple but every ingredient plays a key role in building the dish’s irresistible flavor and texture. From the fragrant seasonings to the creamy cheeses, each component adds something special to the end result.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays tender and juicy when cooked properly.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika: Essential spices that infuse the chicken with savory depth and a smoky warmth.
Olive oil: Used for searing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown, locking in flavor.
Long-grain white rice: Provides a fluffy, neutral base that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Chicken broth: Adds savory richness both to the rice and the sauce for that unmistakable homemade taste.
Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour: Form the roux that creates the silky, thickened base of the cream sauce.
Whole milk: Offers a smooth creaminess that makes the sauce luscious and comforting.
Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses: Blend together for a sharp, cheesy complexity that makes this dish unforgettable.
Fresh parsley: The final fresh touch that brightens up the plate just before serving.

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry rub builds the flavor foundation for the dish. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden and deliciously caramelized. This step locks in the juices and develops a beautiful crust.

Step 2: Cook the Rice Perfectly

While the chicken rests, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the long-grain white rice, then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the broth is absorbed. Fluff the rice gently with a fork so it stays light and airy—this will make the perfect bed for your creamy chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet you cooked your chicken in, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden—this is your roux, which will thicken the sauce beautifully. Slowly pour in the whole milk and a bit of chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheeses melt into a velvety, flavorful coating.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with the Creamy Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them generously. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer gently on low heat for about 10 minutes. This not only ensures the chicken is cooked through but lets it soak up that heavenly sauce, becoming tender and succulent.

Step 5: Plate It Up

Time to serve this beauty! Spoon fluffy white rice onto each plate, then top it with a generous portion of your creamy smothered chicken and sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Now, dig in and enjoy every sumptuous bite!

How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chopped parsley is all you need to elevate the dish visually and add a subtle freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce. For an extra pop, consider a light dusting of paprika or some thinly sliced green onions to add a slight crunch and vibrant color.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can create a well-rounded meal. Try steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a crisp mixed green salad for some freshness. A few roasted carrots or sautéed mushrooms also add earthiness and complement the creamy texture wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice in individual shallow bowls, layering the rice first and ladling the chicken and sauce over it like a stew. You can even stuff the cooked chicken breasts with a bit of cheese or spinach before cooking for an added surprise. Another lovely idea is to garnish with toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds for added texture that contrasts the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and chicken together so the flavors meld even more, but if you prefer, you can store them separately to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, pack it into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce might thicken when thawed, so consider slightly thinning it with a splash of milk or broth upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a covered skillet or microwave. Add a little milk or broth if the sauce looks too thick or dry. Warm it until the chicken is heated through and the sauce returns to that silky consistency you loved when first made.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice?

Absolutely! While long-grain white rice works best here due to its fluffy texture, you can substitute with jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice for a nuttier flavor. Just remember to adjust cooking times and liquid amounts accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure any other ingredients like chicken broth are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and richness. Keep in mind that thighs may require slightly longer cooking times.

What’s the best way to get the sauce perfectly smooth?

Whisking constantly while gradually adding the milk and broth into the roux helps prevent lumps. Also, using whole milk instead of low-fat varieties results in a silkier sauce.

Can I add vegetables directly into the dish?

Yes, adding mushrooms, spinach, or peas into the sauce during the final few minutes of cooking is a great way to sneak some veggies in without losing the dish’s creamy, comforting qualities.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is one of those true comfort foods that manages to be both indulgently creamy and effortlessly simple to make. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to keep coming back to whenever you crave something nourishing, flavorful, and full of homey warmth. Go ahead and try it tonight—you might just find your new favorite dinner!

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy creamy sauce served over fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful crust.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to form a roux.
Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth sauce. Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and cheese melts fully.
Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked through and tender.
Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Notes

You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative if desired, though sauce creaminess may slightly vary.
Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be used for garnish to add freshness and color.
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing, Simmering
Cuisine: American