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Smothered Chicken and Rice

Featured in Dinner Winners Every Time.

This Smothered Chicken and Rice features tender chicken cooked in garlic, onion, and paprika seasoning, paired with a creamy cheese sauce using Parmesan and cheddar. It's served over white rice, cooked in delicious chicken broth, making a complete, hearty meal. The balance of rich sauce, protein, and rice makes this both flavorful and satisfying. Perfect for combining easy comfort and elegance in one dish.
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Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:23:00 GMT
Smothered Chicken with Creamy Sauce over Rice Pin it
Smothered Chicken with Creamy Sauce over Rice | cookwithtaste.com

Imagine tender, well-seasoned chicken bathed in a smooth, cheesy sauce that wraps around each bite, all served on top of light, airy rice that catches every bit of that creamy deliciousness. This meal turns simple ingredients into pure comfort food that feels like getting a warm hug from someone's beloved Southern grandma.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: Go for evenly sized, thick cuts that'll cook at the same rate.
  • Garlic Powder: Make sure it smells strong and isn't old or clumpy.
  • Onion Powder: Pick versions without added anti-clumping stuff for better taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Spend a bit more on good Spanish paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Long-Grain Rice: Get a trusted brand that cooks up into separate, fluffy bits.
  • Unsalted Butter: Try European butter for extra richness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Keep it in a sealed container so it stays dry.
  • Whole Milk: Don't skimp on fat content for the creamiest sauce.
  • Premium Chicken Broth: Homemade or good store-bought will boost both rice and sauce.
  • Fresh Thyme: Pick bright, fragrant sprigs for gentle herb notes.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Grate it yourself for stronger flavor and better melting.
  • Aged Parmesan: Real Parmigiano-Reggiano adds extra depth.
  • Fresh Parsley: Look for bright, crisp bunches to sprinkle on top.

Crafting Mouthwatering Chicken

Nail The Seasoning:
Start with chicken that's not cold from the fridge. Wipe it completely dry. Coat generously with spices, making sure to cover every bit. Let it sit while you work on other stuff.
Get That Golden Crust:
Wait till your oil is hot and shimmering. Put chicken in carefully and let it get nice and golden. Look for color change at the edges before you flip it. Keep heat steady as it cooks.
Make Awesome Rice:
Lightly brown rice before adding your broth. Keep it at a gentle bubble while cooking. After it's done, leave it covered for exactly five minutes to get the fluffiest texture.
Whip Up The Sauce:
Mix flour and butter while stirring non-stop until golden. Pour in liquids slowly, mixing well between each pour. Add cheese after taking it off the heat for the smoothest results.
Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe Pin it
Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe | cookwithtaste.com

Fantastic Side Options

Make this meal even better with some thoughtful sides. Try a tangy arugula salad with lemony dressing for a nice contrast. Add some roasted asparagus or broccoli for color and nutrients. And don't forget warm, crusty bread to soak up all that extra sauce.

Customization Ideas

Tweak this dish however you want. Try chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor. Throw in some cooked mushrooms for an earthy touch, or mix in fresh spinach for some green. Add red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Want something lighter? Just use more broth and less milk.

Smart Storage

Keep leftovers in separate sealed containers. When warming up, add a splash of milk or broth to thin the sauce back out. Heat it slowly, stirring now and then. If you're planning meals ahead, cook extra rice and freeze it in portions.

After making this dish countless times, I've found that basic ingredients can make something really special when you handle them right. The secret is giving each part time to develop its best flavor from well-seasoned chicken to velvety sauce. This has become my favorite way to make regular weeknights feel special, showing that great food doesn't need fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe Pin it
Delicious Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe | cookwithtaste.com

Don't forget, comfort food is amazing because it brings everyone together and creates lasting memories around your table. Every time you cook this meal, you're not just making dinner you're creating an experience your family will look forward to again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Could I swap out chicken breasts for thighs?
Absolutely, boneless thighs are a great choice. Just cook them a little longer to ensure they're done.
→ What can I use instead of whole milk?
Feel free to swap for 2% milk or half-and-half. Heavy cream will make the sauce extra rich and luscious.
→ Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, make it up to a day in advance. Reheat on low heat, adding a little milk if it thickens too much.
→ Are there other rice options I can try?
Sure! Jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all work well. Just tweak cooking time and liquid based on the packaging.
→ How can I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?
Melt cheese off the heat in small amounts while stirring. Always grate your cheese fresh to skip additives that might clump.

Smothered Chicken and Rice

Juicy chicken smothered in a cheesy cream sauce, paired with fluffy rice to make the ultimate cozy meal for any night.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 portions of chicken with rice)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Spiced Chicken

01 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
02 1 teaspoon garlic powder
03 1 teaspoon onion powder
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 Salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking
06 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

→ Simple Rice Base

07 2 cups chicken stock
08 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 1 cup long-grain white rice

→ Rich Cheese Sauce

10 2 tablespoons plain flour
11 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
12 1 1/2 cups whole milk
13 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 1/2 cup chicken stock
15 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
16 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 Fresh herbs (parsley) for topping

Instructions

Step 01

Grab the chicken breasts and coat them with the spices—paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt, and pepper. In a hot pan, heat the olive oil and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden. Remove and set aside for now.

Step 02

Boil the chicken stock with salt in a pot. Stir in your rice, lower the heat, and put the lid on. Let it gently simmer for 15-18 minutes. When done, fluff it up with a fork and leave it covered to keep warm.

Step 03

In the same pan you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two until it's lightly toasted. Slowly pour in the milk and stock while stirring, making sure the mix stays smooth. Toss in the cheeses and seasonings, then stir until it's all melted and creamy.

Step 04

Place the cooked chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the cheesy sauce. Cover and simmer for around 10 minutes till the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Serve with the rice and ladle that luscious sauce over everything. Top with parsley if you'd like.

Notes

  1. Searing the chicken locks in its juices and adds a golden finish.
  2. Using freshly grated cheese will give your sauce the creamiest texture.
  3. You can make the sauce in advance; just gently reheat it with a small splash of milk.

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet with a fitted lid
  • Pot with lid for rice
  • Whisk for sauce
  • Grater for shredding cheese
  • Measuring tools (cups and spoons)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (butter, milk, cheeses)
  • Includes gluten (flour)