If you’re looking for a cozy, weeknight dinner that comes together fast and feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is it. It’s rich, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have. Bonus: It’s all made in one pan!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights
- One-pan = less mess and cleanup
- Creamy, comforting, and super satisfying
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
- Totally customizable with pantry staples
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant (about 2 minutes).
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Smother and cook: Return chicken to the pan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Optional cheese: Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for 2 minutes to melt.
- Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and creamy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Quick Tip or Variation
Want a veggie boost? Add 1 cup of frozen peas or chopped spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also swap chicken for turkey or use brown rice (just increase cook time).
Storage & Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken may take 10–15 minutes longer to fully cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Cook as directed, cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce.
What can I use instead of heavy cream or milk?
You can use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or even evaporated milk. For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt at the end.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Stir the rice and liquids well before adding the chicken back in. Keep the heat low once simmering and avoid boiling. Use warm milk or cream if possible.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your broth and seasonings to be sure.
What cheese works best in the sauce?
Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all melt smoothly. For more flavor, try a mix of cheddar and Parmesan.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Totally! Use brown rice (just increase cook time), low-sodium broth, and swap heavy cream for low-fat milk or a dairy-free option. Add in veggies like spinach or zucchini.
Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?
Absolutely. Sauté sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even frozen peas along with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the kind of cozy comfort food you’ll want on repeat. It’s quick, customizable, and made for busy weeknights — all in one pan! Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings creamy, delicious flavor with zero fuss.
Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!
More Creamy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- 🧀 Alice Springs Chicken Recipe: Irresistible Homemade Delight
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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
A cozy one-pan dinner with tender chicken, creamy rice, and comforting flavors that come together fast — perfect for weeknights.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the pan. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- If using cheese, sprinkle it over the top, cover, and let it melt for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra veggies, stir in frozen peas or chopped spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Great with turkey or brown rice too (just increase cook time).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chicken and rice, creamy chicken, one-pan dinner, weeknight recipe
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