Savory Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe
Need a cozy, hearty meal that’s easy to make? This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is a winner! Tender boneless skinless chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, savory cream sauce and served over fluffy rice. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want comfort food without much fuss.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- 2 cups 480ml chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
- ¼ cup 60g sour cream
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix or homemade: 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, and pinch of salt
- 1 cup 100g shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Rice: In the same skillet, add rice, chicken broth, and dried thyme. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Chicken and Rice: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet over the rice. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Pour over the chicken and rice in the skillet. Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions or parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Rice Variations: Use parboiled or long-grain white rice for best results. Brown rice requires 10-15 extra minutes and 1/4 cup more broth. For a low-carb option, substitute cauliflower rice and reduce simmering time to 5-7 minutes.
- Ranch Seasoning Substitute: If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried dill, and a pinch of salt.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in peas, mushrooms, or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the simmering step, refrigerate, and reheat with the creamy sauce and cheese when ready to serve. Flavors deepen overnight.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to maintain creaminess. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy sauce.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side salad, steamed green beans, or roasted broccoli for a complete meal.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.