If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed comfort meal, this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is calling your name. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces smothered in a cheesy, herbed cream sauce and served over fluffy white rice, it’s everything you want in a cozy dish—easy, satisfying, and irresistibly creamy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, rich, and full of warmth
Easy to Make: Comes together in one skillet
Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with cheddar and Parmesan
Meal Prep Friendly: Makes great leftovers
Family Approved: Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
To Serve:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati works great)
How to Make It
1️⃣ Season and Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
3️⃣ Smother the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
4️⃣ Plate and Garnish
Spoon chicken and sauce over a bed of hot cooked rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for balance
- Try it with mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice as a low-carb swap
- Top with crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence
Final Thoughts
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate dinner when you want something cozy and satisfying with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for weeknights or anytime you need a plate of pure comfort. Make it once and you’ll be hooked!
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed comfort meal, this **Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice** is calling your name. Featuring tender, seasoned chicken pieces smothered in a cheesy, herbed cream sauce and served over fluffy white rice, it’s everything you want in a cozy dish—easy, satisfying, and irresistibly creamy.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 1½ lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- To Serve:
- 3 cups cooked white rice (jasmine or basmati works great)
Instructions
- Season and Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Smother the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until everything is hot and creamy.
- Plate and Garnish: Spoon chicken and sauce over a bed of hot cooked rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for balance. Try it with mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice as a low-carb swap. Top with crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smothered chicken and rice, creamy chicken skillet, comfort food dinner