Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. Seared chicken breasts (or thighs) are simmered in a rich, garlic-Parmesan cream sauce and served over tender rice for a hearty, satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
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)
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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 chopped fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of broth or water to a boil. Stir in the rice and salt. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15–18 minutes (white rice) or 35 minutes (brown rice). Fluff with a fork and set aside.Season & Sear the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from pan and set aside.Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté onions for 2 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan. Stir in cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until slightly thickened.Simmer & Smother:
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through (165°F internal temperature).Assemble & Serve:
Plate rice, top with chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used for extra flavor and juiciness.
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.
Add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrients.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg