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; 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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and a little bit of indulgence all in one, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. Imagine tender chicken breasts glazed in a luscious, cheesy sauce, gently resting atop fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. Each bite bursts with warm, homemade goodness that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners yet special enough to impress guests, bringing everyone to the table with big smiles and satisfied appetites.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a starring role: spices layered for depth, rice providing the perfect soft bed, and the creamy sauce delivering unbeatable richness. Here’s what you’ll want to keep on hand to create this crowd-pleaser.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for uniform cooking and juicy tenderness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory warmth that deepens every bite.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Offers subtle sweetness to balance the spices.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings smoky, vibrant color and flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: The essential seasonings that highlight all other flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Provides fluffy, light texture as the dish’s base.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with extra savory goodness as it cooks.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the rice’s natural flavor.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Starts the creamy sauce with rich, silky notes.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce for that smothered effect.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Creates a smooth, comforting base for the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: A little extra liquid to keep the sauce perfectly balanced.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds another layer of garlicky goodness in the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon thyme: Offers gentle herbal notes for complexity.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of joyful flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, nutty finish that elevates the dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness.

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by giving those chicken breasts a flavorful makeover with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don’t skimp on this seasoning—it sets the stage for everything else. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering, then sear the chicken over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden-brown crust that locks in juices. Once seared, set the chicken aside because it’s time to make the next components shine.

Step 2: Cook the Rice to Fluffy Perfection

While the chicken rests, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and half a teaspoon of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Pour in the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer patiently for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Fluffy rice makes the perfect cozy nest for the smothered chicken that’s coming next.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet that you seared the chicken in (hello, flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until you see a soft golden hue—that’s your signal to add in the liquids. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to keep it smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. In just a few minutes, this sauce will thicken into a piping-hot, cheesy blanket of comfort, ready to envelop your chicken.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken and Simmer

Return the chicken breasts gently to the skillet, nestling them right under that creamy sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top because this is what defines the dish. Pop a lid on the skillet and let everything simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. This step cooks the chicken through and lets all those flavors cozy up together, making each bite tender and bursting with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Bed the fluffy rice on warm plates, then top with the smothered chicken and a generous ladle of the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright, herbaceous finish. Now it’s ready—time to dive in and savor every comforting forkful of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.

How to Serve Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic go-to garnish for this dish, adding a pop of vibrant green and a fresh, slightly peppery contrast to the rich sauce. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or even some thinly sliced green onions for extra flavor and flair. A light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten up the whole plate beautifully.

Side Dishes

Since Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is rich and filling, consider pairing it with lighter sides like steamed green beans, crisp roasted broccoli, or a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These will provide that perfect textural balance and keep the meal feeling fresh without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try plating this dish in shallow bowls to keep all the creamy sauce contained and ideal for spooning. You could also place the rice in a food ring mold on the plate and gently lay the chicken breasts on top before pouring over the sauce, creating an elegant presentation perfect for dinner parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigerating to preserve the sauce’s texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for even longer, it freezes well too. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the smothered chicken and rice in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender. You can also use a microwave, heating in short intervals while stirring in between to ensure even warming.

FAQs

Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay moist during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and pick a dairy-free cheese substitute. The sauce may be a little different in texture but still deliciously creamy.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and has a firmer texture. You’ll want to cook brown rice separately and perhaps adjust the liquid and simmer time.

How spicy is this dish?

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is more savory and smoky than spicy, thanks to smoked paprika and gentle seasonings. If you want a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

Can I make this recipe in one pan?

While the recipe calls for cooking rice separately, you can adapt by using cooking methods like a casserole or Dutch oven to combine steps. Just keep an eye on liquid levels and cooking times to ensure everything cooks evenly and stays moist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels like a warm hug, and Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice does exactly that. It’s a recipe that’s comforting without being complicated, cheesy without being overpowering, and downright satisfying to the very last bite. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try for your next dinner—they’re guaranteed to become new favorites at your table!

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over perfectly cooked long-grain white rice. This easy-to-make recipe combines smoky spices, creamy dairy, and fresh herbs for a hearty meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
Prepare the creamy sauce: Using the same skillet from the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns lightly golden, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and form a smooth sauce.
Add seasonings and cheese: Stir in garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese fully melts, creating a rich creamy texture.
Simmer chicken in the sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy cheese sauce over them, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through and becomes tender.
Serve and garnish: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking.
For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and reduce the cheese quantity.
Ensure the sauce is smooth by whisking constantly when adding liquids.
Leftover smothered chicken and rice can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
For added flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or onions to the sauce.

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