Some nights, you need a meal that feels like a hug in a skillet. That’s exactly what Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice delivers. Golden-seared chicken, fluffy rice, a velvety cream sauce, and sweet pops of peas all come together in one pan for the kind of dinner that makes you sigh in relief after a long day.

This recipe is the definition of a creamy chicken dinner that balances simplicity with satisfaction. It’s hearty enough for Sunday supper but quick enough for a Tuesday night when the thought of juggling multiple pots and pans feels exhausting. And here’s the best part—it all cooks in one skillet. Less mess, less stress, more time for second helpings.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, cooking for two, or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this chicken skillet meal is a guaranteed win. It’s comfort food you can rely on, with flavors that taste like home.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

One-pan chicken recipe = fewer dishes.
Creamy, cozy, and filling without being fussy.
A balanced mix of protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
A family comfort food classic that works for weeknights or weekends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ lbs)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the rice to coat with onion and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Remove lid, stir in heavy cream and frozen peas, and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Chicken Skillet Meal

Golden sear = flavor boost. Don’t rush browning the chicken—it adds richness to the sauce.
Rice matters. Stick to long-grain white rice. Shorter grains or brown rice will throw off the cooking time.
Peas at the end. Adding them last keeps their bright color and slight sweetness intact.
Lighter swap: Half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream if you prefer a lighter sauce.
Make it your own: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra depth.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This dish actually started as a “clean out the fridge” experiment on a chilly evening. I had chicken breasts, leftover rice, and a carton of cream that needed to be used up. I tossed them together, said a little prayer to the dinner gods, and—bam—magic happened.

My kids loved the creamy rice so much they begged me to make it again (rare praise from picky eaters!). Now, it’s one of those meals that I keep in rotation, especially when I need something reliable and comforting. It’s amazing how a simple one-pan chicken recipe can turn an ordinary night into one that feels special.

What to Serve with Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Even though this dish is a full meal on its own, you can round it out with a few extras:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the sauce.
Roasted carrots or broccoli for extra color and veggies.
A glass of chardonnay or iced tea pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

If you’re serving guests, add a simple fruit salad or light dessert to finish things off.

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but the cream sauce may separate slightly. To fix it, stir well when reheating. Keeps up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the saucy consistency. The microwave works too—just stir halfway through.
Meal prep tip: Portion into containers for grab-and-go lunches.

FAQs About Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes—thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy during cooking.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice cooks evenly and soaks up the sauce without becoming mushy.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook fully, then reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream before serving.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can swap coconut milk for cream. It gives a slightly different flavor but still creamy and delicious.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—a handful of Parmesan or mozzarella stirred in at the end makes it extra indulgent.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is everything we want in a weeknight dinner—quick, hearty, and full of comfort. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your table with happy faces.

Whether you call it a creamy chicken dinner, a family comfort food favorite, or simply your new go-to chicken skillet meal, this recipe is destined to become part of your rotation. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy comfort in every bite.

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Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice

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Author: Olivia Hartwellen
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy, one-pan chicken dinner featuring golden-seared chicken breasts, fluffy rice, sweet peas, and a velvety cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining, this family-friendly comfort food combines convenience with hearty flavor—all in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs)
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup frozen peas
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear for 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the Rice
Stir in rice to coat with onion and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
Simmer with Chicken
Return chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
Make it Creamy
Remove the lid. Stir in heavy cream and frozen peas. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Golden searing builds flavor—don’t rush this step.

Stick with long-grain rice for best texture.

Add peas at the end for bright color and sweetness.

Swap half-and-half for a lighter version or coconut milk for dairy-free.

Stir in Parmesan or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Plats
Method: One-Pan Skillet
Cuisine: American

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice: A One-Pan Family Comfort Favourite