Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, rich, creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something warm and satisfying on the table without too much effort. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

• One-pan meal: Less cleanup and easy preparation
• Rich and comforting: A creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice perfectly
• Family-friendly: A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike
• Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables or seasonings

Ingredients for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Creamy Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

For the Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or deep pan with lid
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and mushrooms for 3 minutes, until softened.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

8. Stir uncooked rice into the sauce, making sure it is evenly distributed.
9. Pour in chicken broth, then nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.
10. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

11. Remove from heat and let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
• Add a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad
• Drizzle with a little extra cream or cheese for extra richness

Tips for the Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness if preferred
• Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less cream based on your preference
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine before adding the cream
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to keep the rice creamy
• Not recommended for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate when reheated

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase the cooking time to 35-40 minutes and add extra broth as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this without mushrooms?

Absolutely. Simply leave them out or replace them with another vegetable like bell peppers or spinach.

Conclusion: A Cozy, Delicious Dinner

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a simple, comforting dish that brings bold flavors and creamy textures together in one pan. It’s perfect for a cozy family meal or meal prep for the week. Try it out and let us know how it turned out.

Did you make this recipe? Share your photos and tag us on social media.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g

Enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.

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