Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where one-pan comfort gets rich, saucy upgrades. If you’re tired of dry chicken breasts or bland rice dishes, this Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice delivers tender chicken smothered in cheesy mushroom cream sauce over fluffy rice perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy comfort food cravings.

Ready in 40 minutes with golden rice crust (socarrat-style), it’s hearty, indulgent, and effortlessly delicious. With years of one-pan recipe expertise, I’ve perfected this crowd-pleaser. Here’s everything you need: ingredients, easy steps, variations, and tips.

Why This Recipe Works

• Chicken breasts sear golden before simmering in sauce for juicy texture
• Rice absorbs creamy flavors while bottom crisps for irresistible crunch
• Mushroom-onion base builds umami depth with simple pantry staples
• One-pan method minimizes cleanup and builds layered flavor
• Scales easily for 2 or family of 6
• Freezer-friendly for meal prep

Ingredients & Prep

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each), pounded to even thickness
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large skillet over medium-high; sear chicken 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. In same skillet, add remaining oil. Sauté onion, mushrooms, and garlic until softened and browned (6-7 minutes).
3. Stir in Italian seasoning. Add rinsed rice and stir 1 minute to toast.
4. Pour in chicken broth and cream; bring to simmer. Nestle chicken back into skillet.
5. Cover, reduce to low, and cook 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
6. Sprinkle cheese over top, cover 2 minutes to melt. Garnish with parsley. Let rest 5 minutes for crispy bottom.

Flavor Variations

• Spinach Artichoke: Stir in spinach and chopped artichokes with mushrooms.
• Cajun: Use Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage slices.
• Bacon Ranch: Add bacon bits and ranch seasoning packet.

Storage Tips

Store airtight in fridge 4 days or freeze portions 2 months. Reheat covered in 350°F oven with splash of broth.

FAQs

• Chicken thighs? Yes, increase cook time 5 minutes.
• Brown rice? Add ½ cup extra broth, cook 45 minutes.
• No heavy cream? Use evaporated milk or cream cheese + milk.

Conclusion

Indulge in Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice juicy chicken, cheesy sauce, crispy rice bottom perfection. Ultimate one-pan comfort. For more hearty dinners, visit dishfoody.com and try our Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Print Recipe

Juicy chicken breasts smothered in creamy mushroom gravy served over fluffy rice. Comforting one-pan dinner with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and rich garlic cream sauce.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner, Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, sliced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tbsp water
• 2 cups cooked rice for serving
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

• 1. Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• 2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden. Remove to plate.
• 3. In same skillet, melt butter. Sauté onions, mushrooms, and garlic until softened.
• 4. Stir in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 5 minutes.
• 5. Whisk in heavy cream and Parmesan. Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
• 6. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top. Cover and simmer 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
• 7. Serve over cooked rice, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Substitute half & half for lighter version.
• Perfect with egg noodles or mashed potatoes.
• Make ahead and reheat gently.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast + rice
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: smothered chicken, creamy chicken rice, mushroom chicken, one pan chicken