Description
Get ready to enjoy a rich and comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner or cozy family night. This creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a velvety garlic cream sauce served over fluffy rice. It’s an easy recipe packed with flavor, making it one of the best dinner ideas when you want something satisfying, simple, and delicious. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, easy dinner recipes, or new food ideas, this dish checks all the boxes.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
3 cups water or chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
1/2 cup diced onions optional
1 cup spinach optional
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt pepper garlic powder onion powder paprika and thyme
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat and sear chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown then remove
3. In a saucepan bring water or broth to a boil add rice salt and butter then cover and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until tender
4. In the same skillet melt butter then sauté garlic onions and mushrooms until fragrant and softened
5. Stir in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth until smooth then add heavy cream Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese
7. Simmer sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened and creamy
8. Return chicken to the skillet spoon sauce over it and cover then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until fully cooked
9. Add spinach if using and cook until wilted then serve chicken over rice and garnish with parsley
Notes
Sear the chicken properly to build deep flavor before adding it to the sauce
Use room temperature cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce
Adjust sauce thickness by adding broth or simmering longer depending on preference
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food, quick dinner ideas