Go Back
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Easy Family Comfort Food Dinner

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food — juicy chicken breasts coated in a rich, cheesy, and flavorful cream sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 cup Long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups Chicken broth
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Whole milk
  • 0.5 cup Chicken broth for sauce
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic powder for sauce
  • 0.25 tsp Thyme
  • 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. 1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. 3. Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  4. 4. Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth.
  5. 5. Add Seasoning and Cheese: Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
  6. 6. Combine and Simmer: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. 7. Serve: Spoon rice onto plates, top with smothered chicken and creamy sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce. You can also substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.