Hey there, fellow foodies! Let me tell you, I just can’t get enough of this Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s perfect for a quick family dinner, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! If you’re anything like me, you love easy pasta recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. This one checks all the boxes—creamy, savory, and absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s a great addition to your weeknight dinner ideas arsenal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy and flavorful: The combination of heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and spices creates a rich, savory sauce.
- Family-friendly: Everyone will love this comforting, creamy dish served over a bed of rice.
- Customizable: Adjust the spices or add veggies to make it your own.
- One-pan wonder: Cook everything in one skillet for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for this Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice recipe. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds great flavor right from the start.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. We’ll be searing the chicken to create a yummy crust!
- Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Using the same pan, add the diced onion and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, add in the minced garlic—let it cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Deglaze the Pan: Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth. Use a spatula to scrape up those tasty browned bits from the bottom—this is where the flavor lives!
- Make the Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream along with Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in your shredded cheese until it melts into the creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, just splash in a bit more chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Bring back the chicken to the pan, coating it well with that beautiful creamy sauce. Let it simmer on low for another 3-4 minutes to meld those flavors.
- Serve: Scoop a serving of the cooked rice onto each plate and generously spoon the creamy smothered chicken on top.
- Garnish: Don’t forget to sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for that pop of color and added flavor, making your dish truly gorgeous!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to make this recipe even better:
- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh garlic and real heavy cream make a big difference in the flavor.
- Don’t skip the deglazing step: Those browned bits add a depth of flavor you won’t want to miss.
- Customize the sauce: Add a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a sprinkle of dried herbs for extra flavor.
- Leftovers are great: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
How to Serve
Serving this Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice is as simple as it gets. Here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich dish.
- Roasted Veggies: Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts make a delicious and healthy side.
- Garlic Bread: Because everything is better with garlic bread, right?
Make Ahead and Storage
One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up for later. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce and cook the chicken up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and combine when you’re ready to serve.
- Refrigerate: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: The sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready.
And there you have it—a delicious, easy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. I just know you’re going to love this Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice as much as I do. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out more of my favorite Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice recipes for more inspiration!
Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Set aside.
- Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.
- Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add shredded cheese, stirring until melted. If too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the pan, coating with sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped parsley.