If you are craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of tender, well-seasoned chicken smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce made with cream cheese and heavy cream, all served over fluffy, aromatic rice. The flavors come together effortlessly, and the entire dish takes less than an hour to make, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you want something both comforting and impressive without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a straightforward lineup of ingredients that you likely already have on hand or can easily find. Each item plays a crucial role—from the juicy chicken breasts or thighs providing the meaty base, to the creamy sauce ingredients creating that irresistible silky texture, and the rice adding the perfect bed for soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein; both work wonderfully in this dish.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors in the chicken and sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to balance the creaminess.
- Paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a hint of warmth, enhancing the chicken’s color.
- Olive oil or butter: For searing chicken and sautéing the onions, contributing a rich base flavor.
- Onion, chopped: Builds the savory foundation of the sauce with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic, minced: Adds aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce, creating that perfect creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth: Adds savory moisture and richness without overpowering the creaminess.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient for a velvety, tangy smoothness in the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce’s lush texture and flavor depth.
- Dried Italian seasoning or dried thyme (optional): Adds a fragrant herbal note for extra complexity.
- Long-grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine), cooked separately: The perfect fluffy base to serve the smothered chicken on.
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Brings a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color.
How to Make Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry to ensure it sears beautifully without steaming. Generously season each piece with salt, black pepper, and paprika to build that inviting golden crust and depth of flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4 to 5 minutes per side until each piece is golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Then remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add a splash more oil if the pan looks dry. Toss in the chopped onions and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Don’t forget to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the pan walls as they contain a lot of flavor!
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce Base
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir continuously for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to prevent lumps, until the sauce starts to thicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream
Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Pour in the heavy cream and mix thoroughly. This combination gives the sauce that irresistible creamy texture everyone loves. Now season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if you’re using them, letting those flavors meld together nicely.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return your seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This final simmer finishes cooking the chicken and allows it to soak up all those luscious flavors. Feel free to adjust the sauce’s thickness by adding more broth or cream if it’s too thick, or a cornstarch slurry if it’s too thin.
Step 7: Serve Over Rice
The last step is simple but important—serve your creamy smothered chicken piping hot over a bed of fluffy long-grain rice, such as Basmati or Jasmine, that’s been cooked separately.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up this rich dish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. The pop of green not only looks beautiful on the creamy sauce but also adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
While the chicken and rice form a hearty base, pairing this recipe with lightly steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans adds a vibrant crunch and color contrast. A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also brings a refreshing balance to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elevated presentation, serve individual chicken pieces in shallow bowls nestled on the rice and spoon extra sauce over each. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze on top for a bit of welcomed acidity, which beautifully cuts through the richness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s creaminess and the chicken’s tenderness.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a later date, freeze it in portioned containers. While the texture of the rice might slightly change upon thawing, the creamy chicken should reheat well. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the rice.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat to avoid breaking the cream sauce. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Warm the rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop for a complete, comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually fantastic in this recipe because they stay moist and tender, especially when simmered in the creamy sauce. Feel free to choose whichever you prefer.
Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese or milk instead of heavy cream?
For the richest, creamiest sauce, full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream work best. Substituting with low-fat versions or milk may lead to a thinner sauce that lacks that luxurious texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To avoid curdling, reheat the sauce gently over low heat and avoid boiling it once the cream is added. Stir continuously for a smooth, velvety result.
What type of rice pairs best with this creamy chicken?
Long-grain varieties like Basmati or Jasmine rice are ideal because their fluffy texture and subtle fragrance perfectly complement the rich chicken and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe is a treasure for anyone who yearns for comfort food that’s quick enough for weeknight dinners but delicious enough to feel special. It’s a dish that brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a beloved staple in your home as it has become in mine!
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Quick & Easy Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and easy creamy smothered chicken and rice dinner featuring tender seared chicken breasts in a rich, velvety sauce made with cream cheese and heavy cream. This comforting skillet meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Sauce
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Serving
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice (such as Basmati or Jasmine)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add a little more oil or butter if needed. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Make the roux and sauce base: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Add cream cheese and heavy cream: Stir in the cream cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until well combined. Season the sauce with additional salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning or thyme, if using.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling each piece into the creamy sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Let it simmer gently for 5-7 minutes so the chicken finishes cooking and absorbs the sauce flavors. Adjust the sauce thickness as needed by adding more broth or cream if too thick, or a cornstarch slurry if too thin.
- Serve: Serve the creamy smothered chicken immediately over a bed of warm, fluffy cooked rice. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference; thighs will be juicier and more flavorful.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little chicken broth or cream; if too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water).
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut milk and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative.
- Use freshly cooked rice to prevent it from drying out under the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like parsley add a nice color contrast and freshness to the dish, but are optional.
