Delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

The aroma of creamy smothered chicken wafting through your kitchen can turn your home into a five-star restaurant in seconds. Imagine tender chicken bathing in a rich, velvety sauce paired with fluffy rice that soaks up every last drop. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a huge spoon and eat until you feel like a content little burrito.

I remember the first time I made this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe for my friends. They walked in, sniffing the air like cartoon characters following a pie on a windowsill. It quickly became our go-to dish for cozy movie nights. Whether it’s a rainy day or just another Tuesday, this recipe always hits the spot.

I’ll never forget how my friend Jenna exclaimed that she could bathe in the stuff after tasting it for the first time.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice works best here; it absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; they’ll add an aromatic punch.
• Onion: A diced onion adds sweetness; sauté until translucent for optimum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness; it enriches the overall taste.
• Cream Cheese: This is what makes it creamy—don’t skimp on this essential ingredient!
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika—these enhance flavors without overpowering.
• Vegetables (optional): Feel free to toss in your favorites like peas or bell peppers for added nutrition!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Kitchen Space: Gather all your ingredients and tools—this includes measuring cups and a large skillet. Prepping ahead keeps things flowing smoothly.

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat some oil in your skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they turn golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown—around 5-7 minutes per side should do it.

Create the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth while scraping any tasty bits off the bottom of the pan. Add cream cheese next; stir gently until it’s melted and fully incorporated.

Add Rice & Simmer: Stir in your rinsed rice along with any optional vegetables you desire. Bring everything to a simmer; cover and let it cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.

Serve & Enjoy!: Once cooked through, give everything a gentle stir before serving hot! Garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

With each step carefully laid out, preparing your creamy smothered chicken and rice will be as easy as pie—or should I say cake? Just don’t forget to take pictures because this beauty deserves its moment on social media!

And there you have it! Your very own homemade creamy smothered chicken and rice ready to impress even your pickiest eaters. Bon appétit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then prepare your rice while the sauce simmers. This method ensures juicy chicken and perfectly cooked rice.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or add veggies like peas or bell peppers. Spice enthusiasts can also kick up the flavor with some cayenne!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Creating this dish reminds me of cozy family dinners where everyone gathered around, raving about how good it was. A friend once declared it “the ultimate comfort food,” and I couldn’t agree more!

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything ahead and simply reheat when ready to serve.

What can I substitute for cream?

You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter option.

How do I prevent my chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken until just done; overcooking can lead to dryness, so keep an eye on it!

Print

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a delectable one-pot meal featuring tender chicken in a rich sauce, served over fluffy rice. Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Long-grain white rice
• Fresh garlic
• Onion
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Cream cheese
• Salt, pepper, paprika
• Optional vegetables (like peas or bell peppers)

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook each side until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted.
4. Add rinsed rice and optional vegetables; bring to a simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
5. Stir gently before serving hot; garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: For added flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts. Swap rice for quinoa for a healthier alternative. Customize the dish with your favorite spices or vegetables.