Melt-In-Your-Mouth Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

When comfort meets culinary magic, this silky smothered chicken and rice becomes your ultimate home-cooked hug.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Southern kitchens have perfected this soul-warming classic for generations.

creamy sauce cascades over tender chicken, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment at your dinner table.

Each forkful delivers a rich, comforting experience that feels like a warm embrace.

Dive into this recipe and let deliciousness guide your cooking adventure.

Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice That’s Pure Comfort

Savor Creamy Comfort: Reasons to Love This Dish

• Craft a Gourmet Meal: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that impresses family and friends with minimal culinary skills.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing dish washing and saving precious time.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily adjust seasonings and cheese varieties to match personal taste preferences or pantry ingredients.
• Deliver Hearty Satisfaction: Combine protein-packed chicken with creamy sauce and rice for a complete, filling meal that satisfies hunger and comfort food cravings.

Ingredients To Prepare Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the main protein of the dish.

• White Rice: Fluffy and soft grain that provides a comforting base for the smothered chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that adds depth and moisture to the rice.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.

• Butter: Creamy fat that helps create a rich and smooth sauce base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickening agent that gives the sauce its velvety consistency.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that contributes to the creamy texture of the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Flavorful cheeses that add richness and depth to the sauce.
• Thyme: Herbal seasoning that provides a subtle earthy note to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for searing the chicken and adding a hint of flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Savory liquid used for cooking rice and creating the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh pop of color and mild flavor to the dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Bring chicken broth and salt to a boil in a saucepan.

Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan.

Cook 3–4 minutes until thick and cheesy.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate the rice, top with chicken and sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips To Perfect Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking and use a fork to fluff it gently, separating the grains for a light, fluffy texture.
• Whisk continuously when adding liquid to the roux to prevent lumps and create a silky, velvety sauce without any flour clumps.
• Remove the skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, smooth sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Simmer the chicken on low heat to keep it tender and juicy, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken without overcooking.

Variations To Try With Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy sauce texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining similar flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and olive oil instead of butter to create a lactose-free version with rich, creamy consistency.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap smoked paprika for chipotle powder, and incorporate pepper jack cheese to transform the recipe into a zesty, southwestern-inspired dish.

Pairing Suggestions That Match Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, cheesy sauce, balancing the dish’s creamy texture with bright, citrusy notes.

Tender green asparagus spears provide a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the hearty chicken, adding nutritional balance and color to the plate.

Crusty, toasted bread with herb-infused butter helps soak up the delicious sauce, offering a crunchy texture and complementary flavor profile.

Light, crisp apple slaw with a hint of vinegar creates a refreshing side that cuts through the dish’s richness, providing a palate-cleansing element.

Storage Advice To Keep Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Pack cooled chicken and rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze for maximum 2 months to preserve quality and prevent freezer burn.
• Place chicken and rice on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should look white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and Parmesan with similar melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or mozzarella. Choose cheeses that melt smoothly and complement the creamy sauce.

• What if my sauce is too thick or thin?

If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra chicken broth or milk. If it’s too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce will naturally thicken as it simmers.

Silky Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this sensational Silky Smothered Chicken and Rice masterpiece, delivering Southern charm on a plate. Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a hearty meal that welcomes you home with warm, satisfying flavors.

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Ingredients

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Chicken:

• 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 (30 milliliters) olive oil

Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Rice:

• 1 cup (200 grams) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken by sprinkling with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Create rice by boiling chicken broth with salt, then add rice. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid absorbs and rice becomes tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
3. Develop creamy sauce in the same skillet by melting butter, then whisking in flour and cooking for 1-2 minutes until light golden. Slowly incorporate milk and chicken broth while continuously whisking to form a smooth mixture.
4. Enhance sauce by stirring in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and cheese completely melts.
5. Return chicken to skillet, generously coating with prepared sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
6. Plate fluffy rice as base, arrange smothered chicken on top, and drizzle remaining sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Opt for thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and faster preparation.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Consider substituting heavy cream for milk to create an ultra-rich, velvety sauce texture.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or pepper jack for unique flavor variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Searing (Frying) and Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 495 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg