This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its absolute finest rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are seared until golden and then nestled in a dreamy, creamy cheese sauce infused with garlic, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan. Served over fluffy white rice, this dish is pure coziness on a plate. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked—it’s a guaranteed family favorite that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort: Creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish wonderfully comforting.
- Rich and Flavorful: Seasonings, cheeses, and herbs create a deeply satisfying meal.
- Easy Enough for Weeknights: Simple steps mean you can make this even on a busy day.
- Perfect Family Meal: Kids and adults alike will devour this delicious dish.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this incredible Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice:
Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean, tender, and easy to cook.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper: Season the chicken perfectly.
- Olive oil: For that golden-brown sear.
Rice
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and perfect for absorbing the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with extra flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the taste of the rice.
Creamy Sauce
- Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour: Base for a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Whole milk and chicken broth: Create richness and depth.
- Garlic powder and dried thyme: Season the sauce beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses: Melt to perfection for irresistible creaminess.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish for freshness.
Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden, then set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil, add rice, cover, and simmer on low for 15-18 minutes. Turn off heat, let sit covered 5 minutes, and fluff with a fork.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour until golden, slowly add milk and broth while whisking, and cook until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Smother the Chicken and Finish Cooking
Nestle chicken back into the sauce, spoon sauce over top, cover, and simmer gently for 10 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot over rice, generously drizzle with extra sauce, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Perfect Chicken: Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a great sear.
- Creamy Sauce Tip: Whisk continuously when adding liquids to flour-butter mixture to prevent lumps.
- Cheese Choices: Freshly shredded cheese melts best and makes your sauce extra creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice alongside steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, or warm crusty bread to soak up that irresistible sauce. A chilled glass of white wine complements this dish perfectly!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Cook fresh rice when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to refresh the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely! Thighs will work beautifully, adjusting cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked.
How do I prevent mushy rice?
Avoid lifting the lid frequently while cooking, and always measure liquids accurately.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but adjust cooking time and liquid according to the brown rice package instructions.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded cheese is best for creaminess, but pre-shredded can be used if you’re short on time.
Dive into this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice it’s a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s destined to become a beloved go-to in your recipe rotation!
Print
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, featuring juicy, seasoned chicken breasts seared to perfection and smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic sauce. Served over fluffy, buttery rice, this dish is an easy yet hearty meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or family gatherings, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce
- 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 dried thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1. Season and Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel for a better sear.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- 2. Cook the Rice
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Stir in the long-grain white rice and reduce the heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 3. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly pour in whole milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Add garlic powder and dried thyme and stir well.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Stir in shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan, mixing until smooth.
- 4. Smother the Chicken and Simmer
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
- Spoon sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s coated.
- Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes over low heat, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- 5. Serve and Garnish
- Spoon cooked rice onto plates and place chicken breasts on top.
- Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- How to Tell if Chicken is Cooked: Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part—the juices should run clear.
- Avoiding Overcooked Rice: Keep the heat low while simmering, and avoid lifting the lid too often. If rice turns out mushy, spread it on a plate to cool slightly before serving.
- Fixing a Thick Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
- Efficient Meal Prep: Pre-measure ingredients before cooking to save time and stay organized.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice
- Calories: 540kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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