When the weather turns chilly and rainy, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty meal to lift your spirits. Enter Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice—a dish that perfectly embodies comfort food. This delightful recipe features tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, all served over fluffy rice. It’s a one-pot wonder that combines savory flavors with creamy goodness, making it an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner. Whether you’re looking for something to warm you up on a cold night or a quick meal to satisfy the whole family, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked together in one pot.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy sauce and tender chicken create a deliciously comforting dish.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family dinners.
Ingredients List
To make your delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken and Rice:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Add Rice and Broth: In the same skillet, add the rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add Cream and Vegetables: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, frozen mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Mix well and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Return Chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy mixture over the top.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy smothered chicken and rice!
Variations & Substitutions
- Healthy Fats Option: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter version while still keeping the creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the creamy chicken and rice for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of liquid, as brown rice typically requires more time and liquid to cook.
What can I serve with creamy smothered chicken and rice?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches throughout the week.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
Warm up your rainy days with the deliciously comforting Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. This easy chicken dinner is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for those chilly nights when you need something warm and satisfying.
We’d love to hear how your creamy chicken and rice turns out! Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let us know if you tried any variations. For more delicious recipes and culinary inspiration, visit https://eldralys.com/ and keep exploring the joys of cooking! Enjoy every creamy bite!
Print
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with fluffy rice and hearty vegetables. Perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights, this one-pot meal is both satisfying and simple to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, frozen mixed vegetables, and dried thyme. Mix well and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the vegetables are heated through.
- Return Chicken: Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy mixture over the top.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy smothered chicken and rice!
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt. To add a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. This dish can be made vegetarian by replacing chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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