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 (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE is your new best friend. This dish combines tender, seasoned chicken breasts with fluffy white rice and a luscious, cheesy sauce that wraps everything in a velvety embrace. It’s comfort food elevated to a deliciously satisfying level, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you try this creamy, flavorful dish, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.

CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish both hearty and inviting. From the perfectly seasoned chicken breasts to the creamy, cheesy sauce, every component works harmoniously to create an unforgettable meal.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle depth and a touch of savory warmth to the chicken seasoning.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances aroma and flavor, blending beautifully with the garlic.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet kick and adds gorgeous color.
Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors.
2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden perfection.
1 cup long-grain white rice: Fluffy and tender, the perfect base for soaking up sauce.
2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory goodness instead of plain water.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the rice subtly.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich foundation for the creamy sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The thickening agent that gives the sauce its luscious body.
1 1/2 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light while enhancing flavor.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle echo of the chicken’s seasoning in the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon thyme: Brings a delicate herbal note to round out the flavors.
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to add sharpness and richness.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth that elevates the sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that brightens the dish.

How to Make CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This simple spice blend is the secret to infusing the meat with layers of warmth and a hint of smoky magic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown. This step locks in juices and delivers that irresistible crispy exterior. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside while you work on the next steps.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Next, bring your chicken broth and salt to a gentle boil in a medium saucepan. The broth adds a savory base that plain water just can’t match. Stir in the long-grain white rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes. This slow cooking ensures the rice becomes tender and fluffy, ready to soak up all the creamy sauce you’ll add later. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm for serving.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet you used for the chicken (hello, flavor boost!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden—this step is key to avoiding a floury taste and creates that silky smooth base. Slowly pour in the whole milk and chicken broth while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Then stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese melts into a creamy dream.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning that luscious creamy sauce over them generously. Cover the skillet and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. This gentle cooking method allows the chicken to finish cooking perfectly while soaking up the sauce’s rich flavors, resulting in tender, juicy bites every time.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Now comes the best part: plating! Begin with a base of fluffy cooked rice, then nestle the smothered chicken on top, ensuring you drizzle plenty of that creamy sauce over everything. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish beautifully. Serve this hearty dish immediately for maximum comfort and satisfaction.

How to Serve CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE

Garnishes

Fresh parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a crisp, mildly peppery flavor that cuts through the richness nicely. For an extra fragrant touch, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika to complement the chicken’s seasoning.

Side Dishes

This rich and creamy dish pairs beautifully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans, which add a refreshing crunch and balance the meal. A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling a little fancy or want to impress guests, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of rice in elegant shallow bowls and drizzle extra sauce around for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce for a flavor upgrade worthy of any special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and chicken together to preserve that luscious texture and reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to maintain quality. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creaminess of the sauce and avoid sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between and adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce looks too thick.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture. Just remember it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use a dairy-free milk alternative like almond or oat milk, and choose a dairy-free cheese substitute to create a creamy sauce without dairy.

Is it possible to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving with cooking times. Just reduce the searing time slightly and ensure they are cooked through.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and rice separately ahead of time and combine everything when you’re ready to serve. Just make sure to reheat gently to keep the sauce smooth.

What can I add for extra flavor in the sauce?

Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a splash of white wine added during the sauce-making step are fantastic ways to deepen the flavor profile and make the dish even more irresistible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers on comfort, flavor, and ease, you absolutely must try the CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE. Its creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and fluffy rice feels like a warm kitchen hug on a plate. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is bound to become your new favorite comfort food classic. Give it a go and prepare to fall in love!

CREAMY SMOTHERED CHICKEN AND RICE RECIPE

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy long-grain white rice. Infused with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, this comforting dish combines savory flavors with a velvety sauce made of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and will satisfy the whole family.

Instructions

Season and cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked halfway through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Make the creamy sauce: Using the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden, which helps remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth to avoid lumps, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth. Add the garlic powder, thyme, shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring well. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is fully melted.
Smother the chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, gently spooning the creamy sauce over each piece. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes or until fully cooked through and tender.
Assemble and serve: Plate a portion of the fluffy cooked rice, then top with the smothered chicken breast and spoon extra creamy sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the creamy sauce before returning the chicken to the skillet.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes or add additional shredded cheese.
Use whole milk for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can be substituted for a lighter option.
Chicken breasts can be substituted with thighs for a juicier texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in a microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing and simmering
Cuisine: American