Looking for a hearty, comforting, and easy meal that the whole family will love? This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe is rich, flavorful, and made in one pan! Juicy, seasoned chicken is pan-seared and then smothered in a creamy, savory sauce, served over fluffy rice that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or meal prepping ahead of time. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different veggies or proteins!

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Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

For the Chicken

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

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth
• 250 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
• 50 g (¼ cup) sour cream
• 50 g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoon water, optional for thickening)

For the Rice

• 200 g (1 cup) long-grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
• 500 ml (2 cups) chicken broth or water
• 1 tablespoon butter

Optional Add-ins

• 100 g (1 cup) mushrooms (sliced)
• 100 g (1 cup) spinach or peas
• 50 g (¼ cup) shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness!)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same pan, sauté the onions (and mushrooms, if using) for 2 minutes until softened.
2. Add the garlic, thyme, and parsley, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Stir in the heavy cream, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
5. If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoon water, then stir it in.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

1. In a separate pot, bring chicken broth (or water) and butter to a boil.
2. Add the rice, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.

Step 4: Smother the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken to the pan, spooning some sauce over the top.
2. Cover and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, until fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

• Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 580 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 26g
• Sodium: 850mg

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Smothered Chicken and Rice

✔ For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before cooking.
✔ Use bone-in chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
✔ Add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
✔ For a spicy kick, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
✔ Swap rice for mashed potatoes or pasta if you prefer!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

🔥 One-pan meal – easy cleanup!
🔥 Creamy, savory, and full of flavor
🔥 Great for meal prep & reheats beautifully
🔥 Perfect balance of protein, carbs, and comfort