Quick & Savory Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe to Love

Crispy chicken thighs simmering in a smothered chicken and rice sauce promise pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish that blends tender meat with creamy, flavorful grains.

Rich pan drippings create a luxurious base for the sauce, infusing each bite with deep, satisfying notes.

Onions and bell peppers dance alongside the chicken, adding brightness and depth to the classic recipe.

A careful blend of herbs and spices transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal that feels like a warm embrace.

The secret lies in slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

So roll up your sleeves and let’s create a plate that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice Even Creamier

• Swap Chicken Cuts: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts, which can sometimes dry out during cooking.
• Season Generously: Don't be shy with seasonings- layer flavors by adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the chicken and rice for extra depth and aroma.
• Control Rice Consistency: Adjust the liquid ratio if you prefer softer or firmer rice; add slightly more broth for a looser texture or reduce liquid for a more compact dish.
• Lighten the Sauce: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to create a lighter version of the creamy sauce without sacrificing richness and taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free version or use cornstarch to thicken the sauce, making the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Smart Ways to Store and Reheat Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and rice together to maintain moisture. Properly stored, the dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the chicken and rice in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir gently and cover, heating until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until thoroughly warmed.

Best Pairings for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• A bold Cabernet Sauvignon complements the creamy, hearty chicken dish with its robust flavor profile and tannic structure that cuts through the richness.
• Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans add a light, fresh contrast to the heavy, creamy rice and chicken, balancing the meal's texture and nutritional value.
• A zesty lemon vinaigrette salad with mixed greens provides a tangy, refreshing counterpoint to the dish's creamy, savory elements, cleansing the palate between bites.
• An oaked Chardonnay mirrors the dish's creamy texture, with buttery notes that beautifully echo the sauce's richness and complement the chicken's golden-brown sear.

Delicious Twists on Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, chicken broth, and dairy-free milk.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that maintains the same creamy texture and flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, herbaceous variation with Mediterranean flair.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and replace parsley with cilantro for a zesty, southwestern-style smothered chicken that brings heat and complexity to the original recipe.

Why Smothered Chicken and Rice Is Soul-Warming Goodness

• Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe offers foolproof steps that guarantee a mouthwatering result every single time.
• Streamline your cooking process by preparing the entire meal in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
• Create a rich, indulgent meal that appeals to both kids and adults, with a velvety sauce that makes every bite irresistibly delicious.

What You’ll Need for Smothered Chicken and Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and golden when seared, providing the main protein for the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic seasoning that adds depth and flavor to the chicken.

• Butter: Helps create a rich base for cooking onions and adds a smooth texture to the rice.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious, creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional creaminess and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the chicken's seasoning.
• Paprika: Gives a mild, sweet pepper flavor and helps create a golden color on the chicken.
• Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base for the rice and sauce.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean garnish to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice and sauce.

• White Rice: Serves as the hearty foundation of the dish, absorbing the creamy sauce.

How to Make Smothered Chicken and Rice From Scratch

Step 1: Season and Sear Chicken

• Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt
• Add pepper
• Dust with paprika
• Shake garlic powder on chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Chicken should be fully cooked with a nice golden exterior. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Melt butter in same skillet
• Add diced onions
• Include minced garlic

Sauté ingredients until onions become translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent burning.

Step 3: Toast Rice Grains

Add uncooked rice to skillet and gently stir. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast grains, which enhances overall flavor profile and helps rice absorb upcoming sauce.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

• Pour chicken broth
• Add cream of chicken soup
• Include heavy cream

Stir ingredients until completely blended. Bring mixture to gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Combine and Slow Cook

Return seared chicken to skillet, nestling pieces into rice and sauce. Cover with tight-fitting lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 6: Finish and Present

Remove from heat and let dish rest for 3-4 minutes. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately with a ladle to ensure each portion gets plenty of creamy sauce.

Smothered Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Smothered Chicken and Rice dish, where tender chicken nestles atop fluffy rice. Rich gravy blankets each bite, promising a soul-warming meal that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, creating a flavor-enhancing crust that will elevate the entire dish.
2. Ignite a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, then expertly sear chicken until a rich golden-brown exterior develops, ensuring succulent meat with caramelized edges.
3. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a temporary plate, preserving its warmth and juiciness for later incorporation.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and introduce finely diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
5. Introduce rice to the aromatic mixture, gently toasting the grains to unlock deeper, nuttier undertones and prepare them for maximum sauce absorption.
6. Create a luxurious sauce by combining chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and heavy cream, whisking until a smooth, velvety consistency emerges.
7. Simmer the sauce for several minutes, encouraging it to thicken and develop a rich, cohesive flavor profile.
8. Carefully nestle the seared chicken breasts atop the rice, submerging them partially in the creamy sauce.
9. Cover the skillet, reducing heat to a gentle simmer, and allow the rice to slowly absorb the sauce while the chicken completes its cooking process.
10. After 20-25 minutes, verify the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F and the rice has become tender and fully cooked.
11. Remove from heat and let the dish rest briefly, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish, adding a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous note.
13. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion receives an generous amount of the creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken and rice.

Notes

• Adjust seasoning levels by tasting the sauce before adding chicken to ensure balanced flavor profile.
• Select bone-in chicken breasts for richer taste and more moisture during cooking process.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with homemade cashew cream or cornstarch-thickened broth.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cream and skinless chicken breasts without compromising overall recipe texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg