Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This recipe features juicy chicken breasts served over fluffy rice, all drizzled in a creamy, cheesy sauce. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your home.

why make this recipe

This recipe is great because it combines protein, rice, and a creamy sauce into one delicious meal. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxing Sunday dinner. Plus, the creamy sauce adds an amazing flavor that will satisfy everyone at the table.

Lucy C. Frakes

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, juicy seared chicken breasts served over fluffy rice, smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and full of homestyle flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American comfort food

Calories: 620

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• ▢ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 1 tsp onion powder
• ▢ 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ▢ salt and black pepper, to taste
• ▢ 2 tbsp olive oil
• ▢ 1 cup long-grain white rice
• ▢ 2 cups chicken broth (for rice)
• ▢ 0.5 tsp salt
• ▢ 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ▢ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1.5 cups whole milk
• ▢ 0.5 cup chicken broth (for sauce)
• ▢ 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• ▢ 0.25 tsp thyme
• ▢ 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ▢ 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ▢ fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• ▢
  large skillet
• ▢
  medium saucepan
• ▢
  whisk
• ▢
  measuring cups and spoons
• ▢
  wooden spoon
• ▢
  knife and cutting board

Method

 

1. ▢
   Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. ▢
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. ▢
   In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. ▢
   In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. ▢
   Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3–4 minutes until thickened and creamy.
6. ▢
   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. ▢
   Plate the cooked rice, top with smothered chicken, and spoon the sauce over each serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 44gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 760mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

For an even creamier texture, replace the milk with half-and-half. You can mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Use brown rice for a heartier version and adjust cooking times as needed.

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how to make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Making Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a simple process that anyone can master. Follow these steps to create a delightful dish that your family will love!

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
• 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
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. 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 or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
4. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

how to serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice hot from the skillet. Place a portion of rice on each plate and top with the chicken and creamy sauce. You can add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a touch of flavor.

how to store Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

tips to make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more spices or herbs if you prefer a stronger flavor.
• For extra creaminess, you can use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• If you like veggies, consider adding some steamed broccoli or peas into the rice while it cooks.

variation

You can switch up the cheese in the sauce by using mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor. For a healthier option, use brown rice instead of white rice, but you may need to adjust cooking times.

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