This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that combines comforting flavors and simple ingredients. The tender chicken, smothered in a rich and creamy sauce, is served over perfectly cooked rice, making this dish an ideal choice for family dinners or special occasions. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it the perfect go-to for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
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Flavorful Comfort: The creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken make each bite full of rich flavors.
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Versatile Dish: Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this meal fits every occasion.
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One-Pan Meal: Everything is cooked in one skillet, meaning cleanup is a breeze.
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Kid-Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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
For the Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce
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
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. 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.
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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 tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: 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. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth while 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 cheese is melted.
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Combine Everything: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
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Serve: Plate your cooked rice generously topped with smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving immediately.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
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Vegetable Add-ins: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the creamy sauce for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese Variations: Swap out the cheddar and Parmesan for other cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different twist on the creamy sauce.
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Rice Alternatives: Swap white rice for brown rice, but remember that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Storage/Reheating
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Refrigerator Storage: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Label containers with the date for easy identification.
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Reheating:
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Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
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Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe dishes, covering loosely. Heat in 1-minute increments until warmed evenly.
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Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
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FAQs
What is Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice?
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a dish made with tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, served over fluffy rice.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it may require more cooking time and additional liquid.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge and makes fantastic leftovers, making it perfect for meal prepping.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes or add a little more flour.
Can I use low-fat milk for the sauce?
Yes, you can use low-fat milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the dish gluten-free.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
Can I freeze the sauce separately?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy sauce separately from the chicken and rice for later use.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the creamy sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I keep the rice from getting too mushy?
Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time for the rice and avoid overcooking it.
Conclusion
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this meal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and works wonderfully for family dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Enjoy this delightful recipe and impress everyone at your table with a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent!
Print
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish, featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy creamy sauce and served over fluffy rice. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or weeknight meals, and it’s incredibly easy to make in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
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
For the Rice
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
½ tsp salt
For the Creamy Sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups whole milk
½ cup chicken broth
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp thyme
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
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 the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add 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 melts.
Combine Everything:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
Serve:
Plate the rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, then serve immediately.
Notes
The recipe can be customized with vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
For extra richness, add more cheese or use Gruyère cheese in place of cheddar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
