Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

A Cozy, One-Pan Comfort Dinner Everyone Will Love

Introduction

Few meals say comfort food quite like Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. Juicy chicken, perfectly seasoned and seared, is smothered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce that soaks into fluffy rice — making every bite pure, cozy perfection.

It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas and your heart with warmth. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, this recipe is simple, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s a weeknight favorite that tastes like a Sunday supper.

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💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan, minimal cleanup: Cook your chicken, sauce, and rice together.
• Creamy and satisfying: A velvety sauce packed with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs.
• Customizable: Works with chicken breasts or thighs — or even leftover rice.
• Family-approved: Comforting flavors everyone will love.
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

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⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

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🍳 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thighs if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Rice:

• 1 cup white or brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth or water
• ½ teaspoon salt

For Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese (optional — but always encouraged!)

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🥣 Instructions

1. Cook the rice:
   In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth (or water) and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until tender (15–20 minutes for white rice, 35–40 for brown). Set aside.
2. Season and sear the chicken:
   Pat chicken dry and season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Combine and smother:
   Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the creamy sauce. Nestle chicken back into the pan and spoon sauce over the top.
5. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy that creamy Southern-style comfort in every bite.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or buttered corn.
• Add a side salad for freshness or garlic bread for extra indulgence.
• Turn leftovers into a creamy chicken rice bowl for easy lunches.

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream.
• Not recommended for freezing — the sauce may separate when thawed.