Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for a Cozy Dinner
When you’re craving something hearty, homey, and incredibly flavorful, this Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe delivers the ultimate cozy dinner experience. With juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy gravy-style sauce, this dish brings all the comfort of Southern cooking straight to your dinner table.
What makes this the best smothered chicken and rice recipe? It’s made in one pan, requires minimal prep, and delivers layered flavor from simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s the kind of dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds—and it’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- Meat
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or use thighs for a juicier option)
- Produce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Canned Goods
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth low sodium recommended
- Pasta & Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice uncooked
- Baking & Spices
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Oils & Vinegars
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Dairy
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, and smoked paprika.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, just until golden (don’t cook fully). Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk to create a light roux (1–2 minutes).
- Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring to a light simmer until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 3: Add the Rice & Chicken
- Stir uncooked rice into the creamy sauce.
- Nestle the seared chicken on top, pouring any juices back into the pan.
- Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until:
- Rice is tender
- Chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temp)
Step 4: Add Cheese & Garnish
- Sprinkle cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the rice and chicken.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes off heat to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Variations
1. Spicy Smothered Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a kick. 2. Cream of Mushroom Style
Replace ½ cup of broth with cream of mushroom soup for a deeper, savory flavor. 3. One-Pot Baked Version
Transfer the assembled dish to an oven-safe casserole dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. 4. Veggie-Packed
Stir in chopped spinach, peas, or mushrooms before covering the skillet for extra nutrients. Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze in single-serving portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Microwave in intervals, covered, until heated through. 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid slightly and cook time by 15–20 minutes. 2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version. 3. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! Add the rice after the chicken is fully cooked and simmer for 5–10 minutes until heated through. 4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook—sear first and then simmer gently in the sauce until done. 5. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. They’ll be juicier and more flavorful. 6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. 7. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and Parmesan melt beautifully, but you can also use Gruyère or mozzarella. 8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything up to the simmering stage, then store and finish cooking when ready. 9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use a roux (butter and flour) and let the sauce simmer gently to thicken naturally. 10. What can I serve with it?
Green beans or roasted veggies Biscuits or cornbread A crisp green salad Conclusion
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is your go-to for a cozy, hearty, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Made with everyday ingredients and packed with creamy, garlicky, cheesy flavor—it’s everything you want in a comfort food dish. Plus, it’s all done in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether it’s a chilly night or you just need something soul-soothing and delicious, this smothered chicken is sure to hit the spot. 🧄🍗🍚
1. Spicy Smothered Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend for a kick. 2. Cream of Mushroom Style
Replace ½ cup of broth with cream of mushroom soup for a deeper, savory flavor. 3. One-Pot Baked Version
Transfer the assembled dish to an oven-safe casserole dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. 4. Veggie-Packed
Stir in chopped spinach, peas, or mushrooms before covering the skillet for extra nutrients. Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing:
Freeze in single-serving portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth. Microwave in intervals, covered, until heated through. 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase liquid slightly and cook time by 15–20 minutes. 2. Can I make it dairy-free?
Use unsweetened almond milk and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version. 3. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes! Add the rice after the chicken is fully cooked and simmer for 5–10 minutes until heated through. 4. How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook—sear first and then simmer gently in the sauce until done. 5. Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Absolutely. They’ll be juicier and more flavorful. 6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or high for 2–3 hours. 7. What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar and Parmesan melt beautifully, but you can also use Gruyère or mozzarella. 8. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything up to the simmering stage, then store and finish cooking when ready. 9. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use a roux (butter and flour) and let the sauce simmer gently to thicken naturally. 10. What can I serve with it?
Green beans or roasted veggies Biscuits or cornbread A crisp green salad Conclusion
This Best Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe is your go-to for a cozy, hearty, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Made with everyday ingredients and packed with creamy, garlicky, cheesy flavor—it’s everything you want in a comfort food dish. Plus, it’s all done in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether it’s a chilly night or you just need something soul-soothing and delicious, this smothered chicken is sure to hit the spot. 🧄🍗🍚
