When comfort food calls, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice answers with rich, savory flavor and cozy vibes. This dish brings tender chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, seasoned sauce over fluffy white rice. It’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.

The real magic lies in its simplicity: a handful of pantry staples, a single skillet, and just one hour to make a meal that feels like it simmered all day. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on taste, comfort, and convenience.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish as they cook evenly and soak up all the creamy goodness. However, boneless thighs are a juicy alternative if you prefer darker meat.

Ingredients for the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

How To Make the Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sear the chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in the garlic, thyme, and onion powder, letting them bloom for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Rice

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add the uncooked rice and stir again, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Return Chicken and Cover

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet over the rice mixture. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the dish and cover for another 2-3 minutes until melted. Top with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Serving and Storing Tips for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

This dish is best served straight from the skillet, warm and cheesy. Pair it with steamed green beans or a crisp side salad for a complete meal. To store, let the chicken and rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may require extra liquid. Add 1/2 cup more broth and increase the simmer time by about 15 minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It can be, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly. For best results, freeze before adding cheese, and reheat gently.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Sear the chicken and sauté the onions and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours.

What cheese can I substitute for cheddar?

Mozzarella or Monterey Jack both work well if you want a milder or stretchier melt.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try using full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and skip the cheese, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Want More Comfort Food Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy skillet meal, check out these satisfying dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts with velvety sauce and a burst of herb flavor.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a dreamy, saucy weeknight dinner.
Shipwreck Dinner for a nostalgic layered casserole vibe.
Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole if you’re craving beefy, cheesy comfort.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a set-it-and-forget-it classic.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Nina Dishes on Pinterest.

I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Did you swap in brown rice? Use a different cheese? Drop a comment and let’s chat comfort food. Questions are always welcome—we’re all here to make dinner better.

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a one-skillet comfort dish packed with tender chicken breasts, rich creamy sauce, and fluffy rice. It’s the kind of cozy dinner that comes together easily but tastes like you worked on it all day.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sear chicken until golden brown, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic, thyme, and onion powder, cooking until fragrant.

3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked rice and stir again. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Nestle chicken breasts back into the skillet over the rice mixture. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the dish and cover for another 2-3 minutes until melted. Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.