Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice (Print-Friendly Format)

Tender chicken and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce—comforting, hearty, and perfect for a satisfying meal.

# Required Ingredients:

→ For the Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 600g)
02 - 15g olive oil
03 - Salt, to taste
04 - Black pepper, to taste
05 - 2g garlic powder
06 - 2g onion powder
07 - 2g paprika

→ For the Creamy Rice and Sauce

08 - 200g long-grain white rice
09 - 500ml chicken broth
10 - 240ml heavy cream
11 - 120g sour cream
12 - 100g yellow onion, chopped
13 - 10g garlic, minced
14 - 15g butter
15 - 1g dried thyme
16 - 1g dried rosemary
17 - 0.5g crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
18 - 50g shredded cheddar cheese
19 - 25g grated Parmesan cheese
20 - Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pat chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then remove and set aside. Chicken will finish cooking in the oven.
03 - In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
04 - Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, sour cream, dried thyme, rosemary, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add rice and stir until evenly distributed.
05 - Allow the sauce to thicken for 3–5 minutes, then add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
06 - Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet, submerging slightly in the rice and sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover with a lid or foil, and bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
07 - Remove from oven and let rest for several minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Serve on plates, garnished with chopped parsley or chives and, if desired, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.

# Additional Information:

01 - Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning and searing to achieve the best browning and flavor.
02 - Add cheeses after removing the pan from direct heat to prevent separation and maintain a smooth, creamy sauce.
03 - Long-grain rice provides a fluffy texture and resists becoming mushy during baking.
04 - Always verify that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C for safety.
05 - Resting before serving allows the sauce to further thicken and flavors to meld.
06 - Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.

Go Back