Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the broth by 1 cup and extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes . Brown rice takes longer to cook but adds a nutty flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months . Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or in the microwave in 30-second intervals .

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and bake or cook when ready. Add a bit of extra broth when reheating to keep it creamy.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Use whole milk for a lighter option or half-and-half. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk, but it’ll add a slight coconut flavor.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Opt for low-sodium broth and soups, use brown rice or cauliflower rice, and add more veggies like spinach or peas. Swap cream for milk to cut fat.

Best Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
Add Rice and Chicken
Stir in the uncooked rice. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the mixture.
Simmer and Cook
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for about 30–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Pros

Rich, creamy comfort food
Family-friendly and filling
One-pot style meal
Easy to prepare with common ingredients
Great for leftovers

Cons

High in calories and fat
Not suitable for dairy-free diets
May require frequent stirring to avoid rice sticking

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

Calories: 520 kcal per serving