Print

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Full dinner with creamy chicken, salad, and toast
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This one-pan creamy smothered chicken and rice is the ultimate weeknight comfort food — tender chicken seared and simmered in a rich, seasoned cream sauce, spooned over soft rice that soaks up every drop. It’s soulful, satisfying, and totally fuss-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 ½ cups long grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 3 cups chicken broth ¾ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne for heat

Instructions

  1. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then sauté onion until soft (about 4 minutes). Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  3. Build the sauce: Stir in rice, chicken broth, and cream. Bring to a low simmer and gently nestle the chicken back into the skillet.
  4. Simmer: Cover and cook on low for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through. Stir once or twice during cooking to avoid sticking. Add a splash of broth if it gets too thick.
  5. Finish & serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm!

Notes

  • Want to use cooked chicken? Add it in step 4 with the rice and reduce cook time by about 5–7 minutes.
  • Thicker sauce? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end.
  • Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Vegetarian idea: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms and veggie broth!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.amgroyal.com/creamy-smothered-chicken-and-rice/