Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
This Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food! Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, cheesy, velvety sauce and served over fluffy rice. A one-pan wonder that's perfect for cozy family dinners or any night you need a warm, satisfying meal. For another creamy chicken favorite, try our Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal
Equipment
- Large Skillet For searing chicken and making sauce.
- Medium Saucepan For cooking rice.
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
- 0.25 tsp thyme
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and ½ tsp salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and ½ cup broth until smooth. Stir in garlic powder and thyme.
- Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until cheese is melted and sauce is thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
- Serve chicken and sauce over rice. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
Pro Tips: Don't skip browning the chicken – it adds incredible flavor. For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheese from a block. Cook the rice in chicken broth for extra flavor. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. Feel free to customize with sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach. This dish is perfect for meal prep and freezes beautifully.