Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice: Easy One-Pan Meal (Print Version)
Creamy smothered chicken and rice is a comforting one-pan meal. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy sauce with fluffy rice for an easy weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Golden Chicken Base
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 yellow onion, diced
04 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ The Velvety Smothering Sauce
05 -
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
07 -
1/2 cup whole milk
08 -
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
09 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ The Fluffy Rice & Green Goodness
11 -
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
12 -
1 3/4 cups water
13 -
1 cup frozen peas
→ Fresh Finish
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice and 1 3/4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Do not lift the lid. This forms the base for your Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
02 -
While rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 -
To the same skillet, add 1/2 yellow onion, diced, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Do not burn the garlic.
04 -
Pour in 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes, and 1/2 cup whole milk. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
05 -
Stir in 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to slightly thicken. This is key for the "smothered" part of Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice.
06 -
Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet with the sauce, stirring to coat. Cover and let simmer for 5 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked through. This brings together the flavors for your Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and stir in 1 cup frozen peas until heated through.
07 -
Serve the Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice immediately, spooning the creamy chicken mixture over the fluffy pea rice. Garnish generously with 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for a fresh finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Feel free to swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor and even more tender results.
04 -
This dish is a complete meal, but a simple side salad or some crusty bread would complement it beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
02 -
Saucepan
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 642 kcal
Total Fat: 21 g
Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
Protein: 62 g