Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food, combining juicy, tender chicken breasts with rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked rice. This dish brings together a flavorful chicken rub and a decadent cream sauce made with milk, cheese, and chicken broth. The result is an indulgent and satisfying meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. Whether you’re looking for a one-pan dish or a hearty meal that everyone will love, this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has everything you crave in a comforting meal: juicy chicken, tender rice, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that brings it all together. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper. When paired with the creamy sauce, it becomes an irresistible combination. The rice is fluffy and absorbs all the flavor from the sauce, making it an ideal side to complement the chicken. What makes this recipe even better is that it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be prepared in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil

For the Rice:

• Long-grain white rice
• Chicken broth
• Salt

For the Creamy Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Chicken broth
• Garlic powder
• Thyme
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Spicy Kick: For some extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce or the seasoning mix for the chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or even tofu. You can sauté them with the same seasoning blend and cook the rice as usual.
• Cheese Variations: If you’re a fan of different cheeses, feel free to experiment by adding gouda, mozzarella, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, salt, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Remove the skillet from heat and keep it covered.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, making sure to stir continuously to avoid lumps. Add garlic powder and thyme, and continue to cook until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken, Rice, and Sauce

Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the rice. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice, making sure everything is well-coated.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for garnish and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cooking the Chicken: For even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness. You can also pound them to an even thickness before cooking for a quicker, more uniform cook time.
• Roux Tip: When making the roux for the creamy sauce, make sure to cook the flour for at least 1 minute to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. For an even thicker sauce, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the roux.

How to Serve

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own. However, you can pair it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish and add a refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it requires more cooking time and liquid. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?

You can substitute skim milk, but the sauce may not be as creamy and rich. Whole milk provides a smoother, more indulgent texture.

4. Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes, you can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the rice before cooking it, or sauté vegetables like mushrooms to add to the creamy sauce.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken, rice, and sauce in advance. Store the components separately and assemble and bake when ready to serve.

6. How do I keep the chicken moist?

Make sure not to overcook the chicken. Cooking it to the right internal temperature (165°F) will keep it juicy and tender. You can also cover it with foil while resting to help retain moisture.

7. Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?

Yes, low-sodium chicken broth works well in this recipe. You can always adjust the salt level to taste.

8. How can I make the sauce spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.

9. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar and Parmesan with other cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.

10. Can I use a non-dairy milk for the sauce?

Yes, you can use almond milk or oat milk as a substitute for the whole milk in the sauce, but it may affect the creaminess of the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the perfect combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy rice. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. The creamy sauce, made with cheese and aromatic seasonings, elevates the dish to a new level of comfort food. Serve it with a side of fresh salad or bread to complete the meal, and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Print