Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy rice. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors, with the smokiness of paprika and the creaminess of the milk-based sauce enhanced by the sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to impress guests, this recipe offers a warm, satisfying meal that everyone will love. The best part? It all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Comforting

The creamy sauce enveloping the chicken and rice adds a rich, comforting texture that makes each bite irresistible.

2. Quick and Easy

With a total cooking time of only 45 minutes, this dish is simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight, yet special enough for a weekend meal.

3. One-Pan Meal

The entire dish is made in one pan, minimizing the mess and simplifying cleanup. The chicken, rice, and sauce all come together beautifully in a single skillet.

4. Flavorful Chicken

The chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

5. Cheesy Goodness

The addition of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses creates a melty, savory sauce that perfectly complements the chicken and rice.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil
• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Chicken broth (for sauce)
• Thyme
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as peas, carrots, or spinach to the rice for added color, texture, and nutrients.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or gouda for a different cheesy flavor profile.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
• Substitute Chicken: You can replace the chicken breasts with boneless thighs for a juicier alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Gradually add the whole milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, add garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the skillet with the rice. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice. Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the creamy smothered chicken and rice hot.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Through: To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (75°C).
• Use a Heavy Skillet: A heavy skillet, such as cast iron, will help distribute heat evenly for perfectly cooked chicken and rice.
• Customize the Creamy Sauce: Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference for a cheesier sauce, or add a dash of garlic powder for extra flavor.

How to Serve

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for added freshness. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the extra creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover creamy smothered chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and allow it to cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, add a little extra chicken broth or milk to the dish to restore the creamy consistency and heat on low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. They will provide a juicier texture and similar cooking time.

2. Can I make this recipe with brown rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and increase the amount of liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

3. Can I use low-fat milk?

You can use low-fat milk for a lighter version of the sauce, but the sauce may be less creamy than when using whole milk.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice in advance, then add the creamy sauce and simmer just before serving.

5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need to be fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

6. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp blue cheese for a different flavor.

7. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond milk) and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can stir in vegetables like peas, spinach, or carrots either while cooking the rice or after adding the sauce for extra nutrition.

9. Can I use a different type of broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly option.

10. How can I thicken the sauce more?

If you want a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer longer or add a little more flour to the roux to achieve your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a rich, comforting meal that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked rice. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special dinners. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

Print