Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a hearty, one-pan comfort food dish that’s full of rich flavor and satisfying textures. Tender chicken is seared and then smothered in a creamy, savory gravy loaded with seasoning, all served over fluffy rice. It’s a cozy, family-friendly meal perfect for any night of the week.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
long grain white rice (cooked)
onion (chopped)
garlic (minced)
chicken broth
heavy cream or half-and-half
all-purpose flour
butter
olive oil
salt
black pepper
paprika
thyme (dried or fresh)
optional: parsley for garnish, mushrooms or peas for added flavor

directions

Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add butter and sauté onions until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir to make a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes.

Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth and thickened.

Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.

Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce is creamy.

Serve smothered chicken over a bed of cooked rice, garnished with parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Use bone-in chicken for deeper flavor (increase cooking time slightly).
Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to the sauce.
Make it spicy with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Swap rice for mashed potatoes or egg noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Freeze smothered chicken (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, stir it into the sauce and heat through before serving over rice.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative, and skip the butter or use plant-based butter.

What kind of rice works best?
Long grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati are ideal for absorbing the sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Use whole milk for best results.

How do I keep the chicken tender?
Avoid overcooking—just simmer until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Conclusion

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a simple yet indulgent dish full of flavor and comfort. With tender chicken, rich gravy, and a base of warm rice, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.