Smothered Chicken and Rice is the kind of hearty, creamy dish that defines comfort food. With tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce and served over perfectly cooked rice, this recipe is as satisfying as it is simple. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s perfect for cozy weeknights or when you want something delicious and filling without a lot of fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is the definition of warm and comforting. The chicken is browned to perfection, then smothered in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and a touch of thyme, infusing each bite with deep, savory flavor. The rice absorbs all that goodness while cooking right in the same pan, making this a convenient one-skillet meal. Easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and minimal cleanup—what’s not to love?
Ingredients
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4 chicken breasts
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 teaspoon thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brown them on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in the uncooked rice and toast for 1 minute.
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Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
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Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture and spooning some sauce over the top.
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Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add vegetables: Stir in some chopped carrots, peas, or spinach before baking for added nutrition and color.
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Cheesy version: Mix in shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese for an even richer dish.
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Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
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Use chicken thighs: Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture.
FAQs
Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?
Instant rice cooks much faster and may become mushy in this dish. For best results, stick to long-grain or basmati rice.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat it in the oven when ready to serve. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I freeze smothered chicken and rice?
Yes, but be aware that the texture of the rice may change slightly after freezing. Cool the dish completely before storing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this dish?
This is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich texture. You can use whole milk as a lighter alternative, but the sauce may be thinner.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I make this on the stovetop only?
Yes, after adding the chicken back to the skillet, cover and simmer on low until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through, about 25-30 minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Pre-cooked rice will not absorb the sauce in the same way and may result in a watery dish. It’s best to use uncooked rice as instructed.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of extra broth or cream and stir well to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
Conclusion
Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for any night you’re craving something cozy. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this one-pan wonder will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it hot and enjoy the heartwarming flavors of this classic dish.
Print
Smothered Chicken and Rice
This Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy, one-skillet comfort food classic. Juicy chicken breasts are seared, then smothered in a creamy, savory sauce with garlic, onion, and thyme—all simmered together with tender rice. Perfect for weeknights, this easy baked dish is rich, hearty, and satisfying, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper; sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute.
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Add chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
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Nestle chicken back into the skillet and spoon sauce over top.
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Cover and bake for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
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Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
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Make It Cheesy: Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan before baking.
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Add Veggies: Include carrots, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition.
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Use Thighs: Chicken thighs work well and add even more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
