Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Few dishes rival the comfort and crowd-pleasing appeal of Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. The tender chicken, nestled in a rich, velvety sauce and spooned over fluffy rice, makes for a weeknight dinner that’s both heartwarming and satisfyingly delicious.

This recipe stands out for its simplicity and one-pan ease, ready in under an hour and adaptable for a home-cooked meal any day of the week. Serve it at a family gathering or prep it for weekday lunches—you’ll love how effortless and flavorsome it is.

What Makes Smothered Chicken and Rice So Irresistible?

The secret to this dish’s appeal is the combination of deep savory flavors and creamy texture. Seasoned chicken breasts are browned until golden, then smothered in a luscious sauce made from sautéed vegetables, cream, and a hint of cheese. As the chicken simmers, it absorbs the sauce, becoming incredibly juicy and fork-tender—perfect for soaking into a bed of buttery rice.

Effortless Prep for Busy Cooks

Streamlining your ingredient preparation guarantees a quick and smooth cooking process. Use the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper to make chopping onions, bell peppers, and celery a breeze. This not only speeds up prep but also ensures evenly sized vegetables for even sautéing and consistent bites.

To slice your chicken breasts or thighs securely, a sturdy Bamboo Cutting Board is highly recommended. Keep everything organized and ready to go as you start building layers of flavor in the pan.

Creating the Creamy Smothered Sauce

Sauté your vegetables in a reliable nonstick skillet such as the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch. This ensures nothing sticks during the cooking process and makes cleanup incredibly easy.

Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken for extra flavor. The sauce thickens with a combination of heavy cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese, melting into a luxurious blanket for the chicken. For perfectly smooth gravy, stir gently and let simmer until it reaches the desired creaminess.

Perfectly Cooked Rice, Every Time

While the chicken smothers, prepare your rice on the side or in an electric cooker. If you’re packing leftovers or meal prepping, the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl works perfectly for portioning and transporting individual servings. The airtight seal keeps your meal fresh and ready for lunch at work or school.

Serving Suggestions for a Stellar Meal

Garnish the finished dish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for bright contrast to the creamy sauce. Serve with crisp green beans or a fresh garden salad on the side for a balanced dinner.

Smothered chicken and rice holds beautifully—consider storing extras in a set of Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields four hearty servings. Each portion (with sauce and a cup of rice) is approximately 525 calories, offering a satisfying balance of lean protein, wholesome grains, and comforting creaminess—ideal for a nourishing family meal.

Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice: Recap

This dish brings together seared chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce all over fluffy rice—the perfect combination of comforting flavors and textures. With easy prep tools and minimal cleanup, it delivers gourmet taste with weeknight simplicity.

Instructions

1. Season the chicken on both sides with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Add olive oil, then the chicken pieces. Sear both sides (about 4 minutes per side) until golden. Remove and set aside.
3. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pan, using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for quick prep. Sauté for 5 minutes until veggies are soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
4. Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Pour in heavy cream and add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 12–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is slightly thickened.
6. Meanwhile, prepare rice and portion into bowls (the Bentgo Salad Container works great for meal prep).
7. To serve, spoon rice onto plates, top with smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
8. Store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy the creamy, savory comfort of this Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, and make dinnertime an effortless delight!