Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting Southern-style dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, savory cream sauce, served over fluffy rice. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for cozy dinners, packed with flavor, and ideal for feeding the whole family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the perfect balance of creamy, hearty, and savory goodness. The chicken is seared to golden perfection, then smothered in a luscious gravy made from onions, garlic, cream, and broth. Served over warm rice, every bite is full of Southern comfort and satisfaction.

ingredients

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

chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)olive oilbutteryellow oniongarlic clovesall-purpose flourchicken brothheavy creamcooked white ricepaprikasaltblack pepperthyme (dried or fresh)parsley (for garnish)

directions

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

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side), then remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and then the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens.

Return the chicken to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Serve the smothered chicken over a bed of cooked rice and spoon extra gravy on top.

Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Substitute chicken with pork chops for a different take.

Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra depth and texture.

Stir in a splash of white wine during deglazing for added flavor.

Swap white rice with brown rice or mashed potatoes.

Include a dash of cayenne or hot sauce for a spicy kick.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked through.

Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be less rich and slightly thinner.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and can be made a day in advance.

What rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is classic, but jasmine or basmati are great too.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free cream alternative.

What vegetables can I add?

Peas, carrots, spinach, or green beans work well in this dish.

Why is my sauce too thin?

Let it simmer longer to reduce or add a bit more flour to the roux.

Do I have to use a skillet?

A large sauté pan or Dutch oven works just as well.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your skillet is large enough to hold everything.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s mild, creamy, and delicious—great for picky eaters.

Conclusion

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the kind of soul-satisfying meal that turns a simple dinner into a warm, hearty experience. Easy enough for a weeknight but rich enough to feel special, this dish is bound to become a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.