When comfort food cravings hit, few dishes can match the soul-warming goodness of Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. This Southern-inspired favorite brings together golden-seared chicken breasts, fluffy seasoned rice, and a decadent cheese-studded cream sauce—all in under 45 minutes. It’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
This one-skillet wonder is rich in flavor, yet easy enough to become part of your weekly dinner rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Perfectly creamy: A velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite.
- Versatile: Swap cheeses, add veggies, or use chicken thighs.
- Great for leftovers: Just as delicious reheated!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and 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
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Serve
Plate a scoop of rice and top with smothered chicken and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Swap proteins: Try boneless chicken thighs or turkey cutlets.
- Add veggies: Stir in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added depth.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Cheese swap: Use mozzarella, Gruyère, or pepper jack for a twist.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the definition of feel-good food. It’s creamy, hearty, and filled with Southern charm, making it perfect for a quiet weeknight or a weekend dinner with loved ones. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it even better the next day.
The Goods
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
We appreciate you taking the time to rate!
This creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is the ultimate comfort meal—easy, cheesy, and perfect for cozy dinners.
Recipes
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and 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
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.
- Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add milk and broth, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thick and creamy.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate a scoop of rice and top with smothered chicken and extra sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot
Leave a Reply