Introduction

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Tender chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

A round white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice that has a soft and slightly grainy texture. On top of the rice, there is a layer of golden-brown, charred cauliflower pieces that have a rough texture with dark grill marks. These cauliflower pieces are covered in a smooth, creamy light tan sauce that looks thick and slightly glossy, garnished with small green herb bits scattered across the sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
½ small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (for sauce)
¼ teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
1 cup white or brown rice
2 cups chicken broth or water (for rice)
½ teaspoon salt (for rice)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Extra Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth or water to a boil. Stir in the rice and ½ teaspoon salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes for white rice or 35 minutes for brown rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté the diced onion for about 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, then cover and let it simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
Step 6: To serve, plate the cooked rice, top with chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
For extra flavor, sprinkle smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Make sure not to overcook the rice to keep it fluffy and separate.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with grilled chunks of golden-brown chicken pieces. The chicken is covered with a thick layer of creamy, light orange sauce speckled with spices. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The bowl is set against a white marbled textured surface with part of a dark cloth visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even searing and proper cooking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with dairy-free alternatives and use coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute instead of heavy cream. Also, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese.