Go Back
Chicken and Rice Components - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth Seasoning and Aromatics - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Additional Items for Garnish - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) When I prepare Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice, I make sure to gather these ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the show, while the rice acts as a fluffy base. Seasonings like paprika and thyme add depth to the dish. Fresh garlic and onion bring a lovely aroma. The heavy cream and cheddar cheese create the rich sauce we all love. Finally, I sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delightful dinner. {{ingredient_image_2}} Cooking the Rice in Chicken Broth To cook the rice, start by pouring chicken broth into a medium saucepan. Bring the broth to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it bubbles, add one cup of long-grain rice. Stir it briefly, then cover the pot with a lid. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice will become tender and fluffy. After cooking, remove it from the heat and keep it covered to stay warm and moist. Keeping Rice Warm To keep the rice warm while you finish cooking the chicken and sauce, leave the lid on. This will trap heat and steam, ensuring the rice stays fluffy until you're ready to serve. Seasoning the Chicken Breasts While the rice cooks, take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Generously season them with salt, pepper, and one teaspoon of paprika on both sides. This adds flavor and color to your chicken. Achieving a Golden Brown Color Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should turn a beautiful golden brown. Make sure it is fully cooked with no pink inside. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Cooking Onions and Garlic In the same skillet, you will use the leftover oil and drippings. Add a finely chopped medium onion and sauté for about 3 minutes. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This will add a rich flavor base. Combining with Leftover Drippings After the onions are soft, add three minced garlic cloves. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. This prevents the garlic from burning and adds a wonderful aroma. Adding Cream and Cheese Reduce the heat to medium. Pour in one cup of heavy cream into the skillet with the cooked onions and garlic. Stir continuously as the cream heats up. Then, add dried thyme and half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. Thickening the Sauce Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. This lets it thicken slightly. Stir often to keep it smooth and creamy. Simmering Together Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet. Position them in the creamy sauce and spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Allowing the Flavors to Meld Let everything simmer together for an additional 5 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making the chicken extra tasty. Plating the Rice and Chicken After simmering, fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide the rice evenly onto each plate. Place a succulent piece of creamy chicken on top of the rice, making it look inviting. Garnishing with Fresh Parsley To finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each plated dish. This adds a vibrant touch and enhances the dish's aroma. Enjoy every bite of your creamy smothered chicken and rice! Adjusting Thickness To get the perfect creamy sauce, you can adjust the thickness. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add more chicken broth or cream. Stir and let it heat up. If it is too thin, let it simmer longer. This helps it thicken naturally. Maintaining Flavor Balance Balancing flavors is key. Taste the sauce before serving. If it needs more flavor, add a pinch of salt or a sprinkle of paprika. A touch of lemon juice can also brighten the taste. Always aim for a rich, velvety sauce. Ensuring Juiciness To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides. Using a meat thermometer helps here; the safe temperature is 165°F. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving keeps it moist. Avoiding Overcooking Watch the cooking time closely. Each chicken breast can vary in size. If you notice the chicken turning too brown, lower the heat. This way, you prevent drying out the meat while still achieving a nice color. Preventing Stickiness To prevent sticky rice, rinse the rice before cooking. This removes excess starch. Use a medium saucepan with a tight lid. Once boiling, avoid lifting the lid. This keeps the steam in for fluffy rice. Choosing the Right Rice Long-grain rice works best for this dish. It cooks up light and fluffy. Other options like basmati or jasmine can also work. Always check the cooking time on the package to ensure perfect results. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and juiciness. Flavorful Rice: For enhanced flavor, toast the rice in the skillet before adding the chicken broth. It brings out a nutty aroma! Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water. Garnishing Like a Pro: Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the dish before serving for a bright, fresh finish that complements the creamy flavors. {{image_4}} If you want a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Use non-dairy cheese for a similar taste. Almond or soy milk also works well in this dish. These options keep the creamy texture while being friendly for lactose-free diets. You can easily change the protein in this recipe. Turkey breasts, pork chops, or even firm tofu are great options. Just adjust the cooking time based on what you choose. For example, tofu cooks faster, so keep an eye on it. To boost the dish’s flavor, add your favorite vegetables. Spinach, bell peppers, or peas blend well with the creamy sauce. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can brighten the taste. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking. Cheese lovers can have fun here! Try gouda or mozzarella instead of cheddar. Each cheese brings its unique flavor. You might even mix different cheeses for a richer taste. Just remember to melt them well into the sauce. Serve creamy smothered chicken and rice with a light side. Steamed broccoli or green beans make a great pair. A buttery corn on the cob also adds a sweet touch. These sides balance the richness of the main dish. A crisp salad is perfect for this meal. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds freshness. You can also serve warm bread, like garlic bread, for dipping in the sauce. Both options enhance the dining experience. To keep your creamy smothered chicken and rice fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge. You can safely keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Always let the dish cool down before sealing it up. When ready to enjoy leftovers, use a microwave or stovetop to reheat. If using a microwave, place your portion in a bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps moisture in. Stir every minute to heat evenly. On the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to a pan, then heat over low until warm. For the best creamy texture, stir in a little extra cream or broth while reheating. You can freeze creamy smothered chicken and rice before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, place the chicken, rice, and sauce in a freezer-safe bag. If you choose to freeze after cooking, allow it to cool completely first. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, as mentioned above. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy. You can use vegetable broth or beef broth. Both choices work well in this dish. For a lighter option, use water with added herbs and spices. - Vegetable broth - Beef broth - Water with herbs You can make a quick broth at home. Just simmer water with onion, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes. This gives great flavor without needing store-bought broth. To make it healthier, reduce the cream and cheese. You can replace heavy cream with a lighter option like Greek yogurt. - Use low-fat cream or yogurt - Cut down on cheese Add veggies like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. This boosts nutrients and adds color to your dish. You can sauté them with the onions for full flavor. Yes, brown rice is a great choice! It adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Brown rice takes longer to cook. You need about 40-50 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes for white rice. Brown rice has a chewier texture. It pairs well with the creamy sauce, but be aware it may soak up more broth. Adjust the liquid if needed to keep the dish moist. This blog post detailed how to make a delicious chicken and rice dish. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned how to create a creamy sauce that enhances flavor. I shared ways to vary the dish and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe. Enjoy your tasty creation and impress your friends and family. Happy cooking!

Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice

A delicious and comforting dish featuring seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce served over fluffy rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the long-grain rice, stirring briefly. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fluffy. Once done, remove from heat and keep it covered to stay warm.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Carefully place the chicken into the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is a beautiful golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, using the leftover oil and drippings, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and softened. Then, mix in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring to stir frequently to avoid burning.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the onions and garlic. Stir continuously as the cream heats up. Add the dried thyme and half of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
  • Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, positioning them in the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce generously over the chicken. Let it simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Fluff up the cooked rice with a fork, then divide it onto plates evenly. Place a succulent piece of creamy chicken on top of the rice, and generously drizzle with the rich sauce remaining in the skillet.
  • Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over each plated dish for a vibrant touch and an aromatic finish.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, creamy, rice