Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – A One-Pan Southern Comfort Classic

🎉 Introduction

There are few things more satisfying than a warm plate of creamy smothered chicken and rice — especially when it’s cooked all in one pan, loaded with flavor, and irresistibly comforting. This Southern-inspired dish combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce, tender rice, herbs, and two kinds of melty cheese. The result? A cozy, rich, and hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish that delivers big comfort with minimal cleanup, this easy smothered chicken and rice recipe is for you.

🧰 Equipment Needed

This is a one-pan wonder, so all you’ll need are a few kitchen basics:

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Optional: Meat thermometer

🍳 Pro Tip: Use a pan with a tight-fitting lid to ensure perfectly cooked rice.

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 Meat

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

🧄 Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

🧂 Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

🍚 Grains

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

🧈 Dairy

• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted)
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

🥄 Pantry & Condiments

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
4. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked through).
5. Remove and set aside on a plate.

🍗 Tip: A light golden crust adds depth and seals in juices.

Step 2: Build the Roux

1. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter.
2. Once melted, whisk in flour to make a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden and smooth.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

1. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth to the roux. Stir until smooth.
2. Add thyme and a pinch more garlic powder if desired.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Rice and Chicken

1. Stir in uncooked rice.
2. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.
3. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish

1. Remove the lid and gently stir in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or roasted veggies on the side.

🧄 This dish tastes even better the next day!

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Yield: 4 generous servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Great for family dinners, leftovers, and comfort-food cravings.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

• Let cool completely before freezing in individual containers.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

🔁 Creamy sauces can thicken when reheated — add a splash of liquid for best results.

🥄 Variations

This recipe is flexible! Try these customizations:

• 🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Version – Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.
• 🥬 Spinach & Cheese – Stir in baby spinach just before adding cheese.
• 🍗 Bone-In Chicken Thighs – Use instead of breasts for more flavor (adjust cook time).
• 🌶️ Spicy Cajun Twist – Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
• 🧄 Garlic Cream Explosion – Add roasted garlic to the sauce for extra depth.
• 🥥 Dairy-Free – Sub with unsweetened coconut milk and vegan cheese.
• 🧀 Extra Cheesy – Increase cheddar to 1 full cup for a gooey finish.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use instant rice?
Not recommended here — long-grain rice absorbs flavor better and doesn’t get mushy.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — just skip the searing step and add it in with the rice to heat through.

3. What’s the best pan to use?
A deep skillet with a lid or Dutch oven works best for even cooking.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Try diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach stirred in before serving.

5. Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your broth is GF.

6. What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice — avoid short grain or parboiled rice.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a large enough pan and extend the cooking time slightly.

8. Can I skip the cheese?
Sure! The dish is still creamy and flavorful without cheese.

9. Can I make it in the oven?
Yes — after combining everything, cover and bake at 375°F for about 30–35 minutes.

10. Can I use leftover rice?
It won’t absorb the sauce the same way. For best results, cook the rice in the sauce as directed.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. With golden chicken, cheesy garlic sauce, and perfectly tender rice — all made in one pan — it’s a weeknight hero and weekend indulgence rolled into one.

Serve it to your family, meal prep it for the week, or enjoy leftovers on a chilly day. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to memorize and make again and again.

Adam

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice – A One-Pan Southern Comfort Classic

There are few things more satisfying than a warm plate of creamy smothered chicken and rice — especially when it’s cooked all in one pan, loaded with flavor, and irresistibly comforting. This Southern-inspired dish combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a luscious cream sauce, tender rice, herbs, and two kinds of melty cheese. The result? A cozy, rich, and hearty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a dish that delivers big comfort with minimal cleanup, this easy smothered chicken and rice recipe is for you.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 generous servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🍗 Meat

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

🧄 Vegetables & Herbs

• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

🧂 Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste

🍚 Grains

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

🧈 Dairy

• 2 tbsp butter unsalted
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated

🥄 Pantry & Condiments

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth

Equipment

• This is a one-pan wonder, so all you’ll need are a few kitchen basics:
• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven with lid
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Optional: Meat thermometer
• 🍳 Pro Tip: Use a pan with a tight-fitting lid to ensure perfectly cooked rice.

Method

 

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil.
4. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden (not fully cooked through).
5. Remove and set aside on a plate.

🍗 Tip: A light golden crust adds depth and seals in juices.

Step 2: Build the Roux

1. Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add butter.
2. Once melted, whisk in flour to make a roux. Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until golden and smooth.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Base

1. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth to the roux. Stir until smooth.
2. Add thyme and a pinch more garlic powder if desired.
3. Let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add Rice and Chicken

1. Stir in uncooked rice.
2. Nestle the seared chicken back into the pan.
3. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).

Step 5: Add Cheese & Finish

1. Remove the lid and gently stir in cheddar and parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
2. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
2. Serve warm with crusty bread or roasted veggies on the side.

🧄 This dish tastes even better the next day!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

Freezer
Let cool completely before freezing in individual containers.

Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.

🔁 Creamy sauces can thicken when reheated — add a splash of liquid for best results.

🥄 Variations

This recipe is flexible! Try these customizations:

🍄 Mushroom Lover’s Version – Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms to the sauce.

🥬 Spinach & Cheese – Stir in baby spinach just before adding cheese.

🍗 Bone-In Chicken Thighs – Use instead of breasts for more flavor (adjust cook time).

🌶️ Spicy Cajun Twist – Add 1 tsp Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.

🧄 Garlic Cream Explosion – Add roasted garlic to the sauce for extra depth.

🥥 Dairy-Free – Sub with unsweetened coconut milk and vegan cheese.

🧀 Extra Cheesy – Increase cheddar to 1 full cup for a gooey finish.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use instant rice?
Not recommended here — long-grain rice absorbs flavor better and doesn’t get mushy.

2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes — just skip the searing step and add it in with the rice to heat through.

3. What’s the best pan to use?
A deep skillet with a lid or Dutch oven works best for even cooking.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Try diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach stirred in before serving.

5. Is this gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your broth is GF.

6. What kind of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice — avoid short grain or parboiled rice.

7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a large enough pan and extend the cooking time slightly.

8. Can I skip the cheese?
Sure! The dish is still creamy and flavorful without cheese.

9. Can I make it in the oven?
Yes — after combining everything, cover and bake at 375°F for about 30–35 minutes.

10. Can I use leftover rice?
It won’t absorb the sauce the same way. For best results, cook the rice in the sauce as directed.

🏁 Conclusion

Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food. With golden chicken, cheesy garlic sauce, and perfectly tender rice — all made in one pan — it’s a weeknight hero and weekend indulgence rolled into one.

Serve it to your family, meal prep it for the week, or enjoy leftovers on a chilly day. This is the kind of recipe you’ll want to memorize and make again and again.