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Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe – Easy & Delicious

  • Author: basmer
  • Total Time: 45
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This comforting, restaurant-quality creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe combines tender chicken breasts, a velvety cream sauce, and fluffy rice for a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress with minimal effort!

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chicken:
    • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Creamy Sauce:
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 medium onion, finely diced
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 8 oz mushrooms, sliced (optional but recommended)
    • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (use cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
    • 1 cup chicken broth
    • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • For the Rice:
    • 2 cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier alternative)
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with the spice mixture.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown (they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage).
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce for Your Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

  1. In the same skillet, add butter and let it melt.
  2. Add diced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until mushrooms are tender and lightly browned.
  4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for 1 minute to create a roux.
  5. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  6. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Season the creamy sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

  1. Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce.
  2. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  3. Occasionally spoon the sauce over the chicken while it cooks.
  4. Add chopped fresh parsley during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Rice

  1. While the chicken is simmering, prepare the rice.
  2. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
  3. Add butter and salt, then stir in the rice.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (or according to package instructions) until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Notes

Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe:

  • Chicken thickness matters: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or slice thicker breasts horizontally.
  • Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the flour to cook with the vegetables for a full minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
  • Temperature control: For the perfect creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe, keep the sauce at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil to prevent curdling.
  • Cheese selection: Freshly grated Parmesan works best as pre-packaged grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
  • Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle heat kick.
  • Vegetable additions: Green peas, spinach, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions to this recipe.

Storage & Leftovers:

  • Refrigeration: Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: The chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Rice is best frozen separately.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 30
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and 1/2 cup rice
  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 185mg

Keywords: creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe, creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, comfort food, one-pot meal, weeknight dinner, family dinner

Find it online: https://recipesmolly.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice-recipe-2/