If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is exactly what your kitchen needs. This one-skillet wonder wraps tender chicken in a rich, peppery cream sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s hearty, simple, and so unbelievably flavorful.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
This dish is all about comfort creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve guests or satisfy picky eaters.
I love that it comes together with pantry staples, yet feels like a Southern kitchen hug in a bowl!
What Does It Taste Like?
Rich, buttery cream sauce coats every piece of tender, golden-seared chicken. It’s slightly peppery, garlicky, and deepened with just enough seasoning to keep every bite interesting. Paired with warm rice to soak up all that flavor? Anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
- One-pan, minimal cleanup
- Quick 30-minute meal
- Great for meal prep or freezing
- Kid-friendly and ultra filling
- Easily adjustable to your spice/creaminess preferences
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and black pepper
- Onion powder and garlic powder
- Paprika (adds warmth and color)
- Olive oil and butter
- Fresh garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- Cooked white rice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Sub Greek yogurt or sour cream for cream cheese
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies
- Swap rice with mashed potatoes or egg noodles
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant. Whisk in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add cream and cream cheese (if using), whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Return Chicken and Simmer
Add the chicken back into the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and let simmer a few more minutes so everything melds beautifully.
Step 4: Plate It Up
Serve over warm cooked rice and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Grab a fork and dive in!
What to Serve with Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Garlic green beans
- Steamed broccoli
- Simple side salad
- Biscuits or cornbread
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the sear—it locks in flavor
- Whisk the sauce continuously to prevent clumping
- Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5+ minutes before serving
- Make the rice ahead to save time
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze without rice for up to 2 months
Reheat: Warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are super flavorful and stay juicy.
Is this spicy?
It’s mildly peppery but not spicy. Add red pepper flakes if you want a kick.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can sub canned coconut milk for cream and skip the cream cheese, but flavor will vary slightly.
What’s the best rice for this?
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice works perfectly, but any cooked rice will do.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the kind of meal you’ll want to keep in your back pocket for busy nights or cozy weekends. It checks all the boxes: creamy, hearty, comforting, and easy.
Made this recipe? Pin it and leave a review below I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Nutrition Information (approx. per serving)
Calories: 480
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 18g
Sugar: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food juicy seasoned chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and served over fluffy white rice. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tastes like it came from a cozy Southern kitchen. One pan, loads of flavor!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp butter
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 3/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
– 3 cups cooked white rice
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and butter. Sear chicken on both sides for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add minced garlic to the same pan and sauté for about 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Whisk until smooth and creamy. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly thicken.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Serve over warm cooked rice and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
– Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– This dish is also great with mashed potatoes or egg noodles instead of rice.
– Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Keywords: creamy smothered chicken, chicken and rice skillet, southern chicken recipe, one pan chicken dinner, easy creamy chicken
Leave a Comment