Introduction

Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice is a comforting dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts bathed in a rich, savory cream sauce. This recipe balances indulgence with nourishing ingredients, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that feels special.

Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt & pepper to taste
Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 2: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on both sides until golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Cook until soft, fragrant, and lightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Serve the creamy smothered chicken over warm cooked rice. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For the juiciest chicken, use boneless thighs instead of breasts.
Substitute coconut milk for cream to make this dish dairy-free.
Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Add mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Splash in lemon juice at the end to brighten the sauce.
Use gluten-free flour if needed to thicken the sauce without gluten.
Cook the rice separately to keep it fluffy and prevent the sauce from becoming too thick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm slowly on the stove and add a splash of broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender during cooking, giving the best texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Make sure to sprinkle the flour evenly over the sautéed onions and stir well to form a smooth paste (roux) before adding liquids. Stir continuously when adding broth to avoid lumps.

Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

This Creamy Smothered Chicken & Rice recipe features tender boneless chicken thighs or breasts smothered in a rich, savory cream sauce infused with garlic, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cooked on the stovetop, the chicken is seared to build flavor, then gently simmered in a luscious sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce. Served over fluffy rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish balances comfort and nutrition, with opportunities for seasonal variations or dietary swaps.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless chicken thighs or breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce and Aromatics

2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

To Serve

Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning to ensure every bite is flavorful.
Sear to perfection: Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and lightly golden, about 4-5 minutes, releasing a fragrant aroma.
Build the roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously to form a paste and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and create a base for thickening.
Add liquids: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to avoid lumps. Add the heavy cream and Worcestershire sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Return the chicken: Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken pieces. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Serve: Spoon the creamy smothered chicken and sauce over cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

Use boneless chicken thighs for the juiciest, most tender results; chicken breasts work well too but may be less moist.
For a dairy-free variation, substitute coconut milk for the heavy cream.
To make this dish low-carb, serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
If gluten-free is required, use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening.
Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Keywords: Creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, chicken thighs, chicken with cream sauce, stovetop chicken dishes, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken and rice recipe