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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious creamy sauce with perfectly fluffy long grain rice. This easy-to-make dish combines simple ingredients, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup, making it ideal for family dinners or cozy weeknights. Adaptable to gluten-free and dairy-free diets, it’s a versatile classic that delivers wholesome satisfaction in every bite.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Protein

  • 2–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Rice and Broth

  • 1 cup long grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Fat

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup shredded cheese (optional; sharp cheddar or mozzarella)

Aromatics and Herbs

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook gently for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor.
  3. Add rice and broth: Stir in the rice to coat each grain with the buttery, garlicky mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Make it creamy: Return the chicken to the skillet by nestling it into the rice mixture. Pour the heavy cream evenly over the top. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook gently for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
  5. Final touches: Once the rice is creamy and fluffy, optionally stir in shredded cheese and fresh herbs. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Let the dish rest, covered, for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Cook the rice low and slow to achieve a creamy texture without mushiness.
  • Deglaze the pan by scraping the bottom when adding broth to capture all flavor bits.
  • Cover tightly with a snug lid to trap steam for perfectly cooked rice.
  • Let the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance creaminess and deepen flavors.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

Keywords: creamy chicken, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, comfort food, one pot meal, creamy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dish