Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is an indulgent comfort food that is perfect for any occasion. The creamy sauce envelopes each piece of chicken and adds so much flavor to the dish. When served with a bed of soft, perfectly cooked rice, this meal becomes a soul-warming, satisfying dish that you’ll want to make again and again. The blend of seasonings and creaminess makes it incredibly comforting, while the rice helps soak up the rich sauce, making every bite pure bliss.

This dish is ideal for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also fancy enough for a special dinner with friends or family. Add some sautéed veggies on the side for an extra touch!

---

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)

For the Creamy Smothered Sauce:

• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:

• Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll need to bring 2 cups of water to a boil, add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (if using).
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

3. Make the Smothered Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
• Sprinkle flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to combine. Let the flour cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue to stir until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and rosemary (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce:

• Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb some of the sauce and heat through.

5. Serve:

• Place a generous serving of rice on each plate. Top with a piece of smothered chicken and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of color and flavor.

---

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~600 kcal
Protein	40g
Carbohydrates	50g
Fiber	2g
Total Fat	30g
Saturated Fat	10g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	800mg
Calcium	50mg
Iron	3mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

---

💡 Tips & Tricks

• Make it lighter: You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though it may not be as creamy.
• Flavor variations: For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.
• Add vegetables: For extra color and nutrients, you can sauté some vegetables, such as spinach, peas, or mushrooms, and add them to the sauce along with the chicken.
• Use bone-in chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to cook them longer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

---

✨ A Little Extra From Me

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a dish that’s comforting, filling, and easy to make. I love how the rich and creamy sauce completely envelops the chicken and rice, making every bite absolutely decadent. This recipe has the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and aromatic flavors, and it’s a great option for when you want something indulgent but not too complicated.

One of the best parts of this recipe is how it can be easily customized. You can add vegetables, adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, or even add a bit of spice for those who like a kick. Whether you’re cooking for a family or making it for a cozy night in, this dish will never disappoint.