This comfort food Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one skillet for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients according to your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends! Seriously, it’s like a hug on your plate!
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking the Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
The Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth (again)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First off, season both sides of the chicken breasts with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Just rub those spices in there!
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through you’ll smell the amazing aromas wafting around your kitchen! Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the chicken is resting, grab a separate saucepan and bring 2 cups of chicken broth and ½ teaspoon of salt to a boil. Add in the rice, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork to finish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In that same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux, this will thicken our sauce. Then gradually add the milk and ½ cup of chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy and all the cheese is melted oh, the smell is to die for!
Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Rice
Now, return the chicken to the skillet, spooning that creamy sauce all over the top. It’s like a cozy blanket! Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This meal comes together in under 30 minutes it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something hearty and satisfying in a hurry.
One Pot
Minimal cleanup is needed since everything comes together all in one skillet. Honestly, who wants to wash a ton of dishes after dinner?
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that you likely already have on hand. It’s a smart way to cook without breaking the bank!
Crowd-Pleaser
This recipe will definitely impress! Everyone in your family will love it. In fact, it has become a staple in my home!
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have, be it veggies that need using or different proteins! The best part is getting creative with what’s in your kitchen.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve This
This dish is fabulous on its own, but feel free to pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with some hearty garlic bread on the side as well!
Storage:
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. This makes for an easy, reheat-and-eat lunch option too!
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash more milk or broth to help revitalize the sauce so it stays nice and creamy.
Freezer Friendly?
You can definitely freeze it! Just portion it into airtight containers and store it for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Why do I love this recipe? Well, it’s my go-to recipe when I’m craving some serious comfort food! I’m a real sucker for that creamy sauce that clings to the tender chicken. Plus, the whole family digs it, even my picky eater! The best part is, you can throw in whatever veggies or leftover chicken you have hanging around. It’s just so easy!
If you loved this Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe, be sure to check out my Gordon Ramsay Chicken Risotto, my Best Mushroom Rice, or my Texas Roadhouse Seasoned Rice!
Food is really about bringing people together, you know? I mean, whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or inviting friends over for dinner, this dish makes everything feel cozy and delicious, all while being quick and easy to whip up. It’s looking out for your family and totally nourishing them! Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite and let this “Best Smothered Chicken and Rice” become a staple in your home too! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Best Smothered Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a boil.
- Add the rice, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add the milk and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan until creamy and the cheese is melted.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top.
- Serve over a bed of fluffy rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.