Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a one-pan wonder that brings together juicy, well-seasoned chicken, a rich, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked rice. It’s a satisfying meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Cook the Rice and Combine Everything
- Stir the uncooked rice into the sauce, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
- Pour in the chicken broth and mix well.
- Nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, covering it slightly with the sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add a splash of broth if needed.
4. Serve and Enjoy
- Once done, fluff the rice and spoon the sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy smothered chicken and rice!
Variations and Substitutions
- Use Brown Rice: Increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes and add more broth as needed.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute chicken with pork chops or turkey cutlets.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free soup.
Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze the chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low-medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Microwave: Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply stir in shredded rotisserie chicken after the rice is cooked and let it warm up for a few minutes.
What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice works well because it cooks evenly. You can also use jasmine or basmati rice for extra flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the rice, broth, and sauce at the bottom, then place the seasoned chicken on top. Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours.
Can I bake this dish instead?
Absolutely! Place everything in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes.
What can I serve with creamy smothered chicken and rice?
A side of steamed broccoli, roasted carrots, or a simple green salad pairs well with this dish.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-sodium chicken broth, Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier version.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! Add cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to spice it up.
Will the rice turn mushy if overcooked?
Yes, overcooking can lead to mushy rice. Stir occasionally and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Avoid overcooking by removing the chicken once it reaches 165°F, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion
Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a simple, satisfying, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and fluffy rice all cooked in one pan, this recipe is both comforting and convenient. Try out different variations and enjoy a homemade meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – Easy Dinner Idea
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe made in one pan for an easy, comforting dinner. Juicy chicken, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked rice come together in this simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté onion until soft (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cream of mushroom (or chicken) soup, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Cook the Rice and Combine Everything
- Stir uncooked rice into the sauce, ensuring even distribution.
- Pour in chicken broth and mix well.
- Nestle seared chicken on top of the rice mixture, covering slightly with sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, adding broth if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Fluff rice and spoon sauce over chicken.
- Garnish with parsley or Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Variations: Use brown rice (increase cooking time by 10 minutes), swap chicken for pork or turkey, or add vegetables like peas or mushrooms.
- Spicy Option: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk and dairy-free soup.
- Slow Cooker Option: Layer rice, broth, and sauce at the bottom, then add chicken. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Oven Method: Assemble in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy chicken and rice, one-pan chicken, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, smothered chicken
