If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious dinner that’s easy to make, look no further than Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice! This dish combines succulent chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s full of flavor. It’s a one-pan meal that will fill your home with mouthwatering aromas and leave your family asking for seconds.
The best part? The cooking process is incredibly simple, and the results are out-of-this-world delicious. Tender chicken is seared and then smothered in a creamy sauce made from chicken broth, garlic, and spices, all cooked together with rice. Everything comes together in the oven, creating a dish that’s both hearty and comforting, without requiring hours of preparation.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 600g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (2g)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (2g)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2g)
For the Creamy Rice and Sauce:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (200g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (500ml)
- 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
- ½ cup sour cream (120g)
- 1 small onion (100g), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic (10g), minced
- 1 tablespoon butter (15g)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (1g)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (50g)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25g)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point as it will cook further in the oven. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Rice Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in the chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the rice. Stir to combine, making sure the rice is evenly distributed in the sauce.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 3: Smother and Bake
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy rice mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) and the rice is tender.
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and the sauce to thicken further.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the creamy chicken and rice on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a fresh, vibrant touch. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~550 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fats: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
🔥 Use Bone-In Chicken – For even more flavor, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure they cook through.
🔥 Opt for Brown Rice – For a healthier twist, swap white rice for brown rice. You’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time to accommodate the longer cooking time for brown rice.
🔥 Add Veggies – To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some chopped spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the liquids.
🔥 Make it Lighter – For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat version.
🔥 Use a Cast-Iron Skillet – If you have a cast-iron skillet, it’s the perfect pan for this recipe, as it can go straight from the stove to the oven and will help retain the heat for even cooking.
🔥 Make Ahead – You can prepare this dish in advance by searing the chicken, making the creamy sauce, and assembling everything in the skillet. When ready to bake, just cover and refrigerate the skillet for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ One-Pan Meal – Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet, making this an ideal dish for busy nights.
✔️ Rich and Creamy – The combination of heavy cream, sour cream, and two kinds of cheese creates a sauce that’s incredibly rich and satisfying.
✔️ Hearty and Filling – This dish has the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a complete meal in itself.
✔️ Customizable – You can easily swap out ingredients to suit your preferences, whether that’s using a different type of rice or adding extra veggies.
✔️ Kid-Friendly – The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this a meal that the whole family will love, even the pickiest eaters!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe as they are more flavorful and juicy. You can follow the same steps, but adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the thighs.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your sour cream and cheeses don’t contain any gluten additives.
Q: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, sear the chicken in a skillet, then transfer it to the crockpot with the rice and creamy sauce mixture. Cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
Q: How can I make this spicier?
If you like some heat, add cayenne pepper or jalapeños to the sauce, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side.
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