Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan dinner made with tender seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, savory cream sauce. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s the perfect cozy meal for busy weeknights. Let everything simmer together for a dish that feels homemade, warm, and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Aromatics
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
Creamy Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tbsp flour or 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 1 cup broth or water additional for rice absorption
Optional Garnish
Instructions
Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add butter, then sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a smooth base.
- Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream, whisking until thickened.
- Add paprika and onion powder and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add Rice to the Sauce
- Stir the uncooked rice directly into the creamy mixture.
- Pour in an additional cup of broth or water to ensure proper rice cooking.
Smother the Chicken
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice.
- Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is fluffy and chicken is fully cooked.
Finish & Serve
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan, then serve warm.
Notes
- If the sauce thickens too much, add extra broth or a splash of cream.
- For extra flavor, substitute chicken thighs—they stay juicier.
- Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or carrots for a full one-pan meal.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream and increase the flour slightly.
Nutrition
Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 34gFat: 25gSodium: 660mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
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