Creamy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe | Quick Chicken Dinner 🍗🍚✨
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for chicken and rice ideas that are both flavorful and easy to prepare, this creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is perfect for you. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked rice in a rich, creamy sauce—resulting in a quick, kid-friendly dinner that the whole family will love. Whether you’re after fast and easy chicken dinner recipes or delicious meal with chicken ideas, this dish ticks all the boxes. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly option for cheap rice meals that doesn’t compromise on flavor!
2. Ingredients for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – seasoned to perfection
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
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3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
**Preparation of the Chicken**
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
**Cooking the Rice**
While the chicken rests, add the rice to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the flavors. Then, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender (about 15 minutes for white rice).
**Making the Creamy Sauce**
In a separate bowl, mix the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with a splash of chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with rice, stirring well. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
**Combining and Final Touches**
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for extra flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Chicken and Rice
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second intervals or warm on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. For longer storage, consider freezing portions for up to 2 months—perfect for future cheap rice meals or meal prep.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Best Chicken and Rice Dinner
Serve this creamy chicken and rice dish hot, topped with extra cheese or fresh herbs. Pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal. Since it’s a kid-friendly dinner recipe, consider serving with Korean ground beef bowl for a flavorful twist or add some crunchy garlic bread on the side.
6. Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
This smothered chicken and rice recipe stands out among dinner ideas kids will love due to its creamy, cheesy goodness and comfort-food appeal. It also embodies seasoned chicken recipe mastery, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal with chicken that requires minimal prep and cooks quickly. Additionally, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a fast and easy chicken dinner recipe that feels both indulgent and nutritious.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using cooked shredded chicken will cut down on prep time and make this dish even quicker. Just stir the cooked chicken into the creamy rice mixture at the end, allowing it to heat through.
What rice varieties work best for creamy chicken and rice dishes?
Long-grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati rice work perfectly for this recipe. They absorb flavors well and offer the best texture for a comforting, creamy meal.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! Prepare the dish in advance, store in airtight containers, and reheat for an easy, satisfying meal with chicken on busy days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.
8. Final Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken and Rice
For an extra flavor boost, consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms or spinach before serving. Using quality ingredients like Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 to cook your chicken can add a crispy texture. Always taste and adjust seasoning—adding a pinch of paprika or hot sauce can elevate the dish further.
9. Conclusion
This creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe is a fantastic example of kid friendly dinner recipes for family that combines comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a meal with chicken that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table. With its rich, cheesy goodness and easy-to-follow steps, it’s an excellent addition to your collection of cheap rice meals. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner that everyone will love!
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Creamy Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe | Quick Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Comfort Food
Description
A quick and delicious creamy smothered chicken and rice recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, then combined with tender rice in a rich, cheesy sauce for a comforting, family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – seasoned to perfection
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or jasmine rice
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the rice to the same skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with a splash of chicken broth. Pour this into the skillet with rice, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors and thicken.
- Slice the cooked chicken breasts and add back to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover and cook for 5 minutes until cheese melts. Garnish with parsley or chives before serving.
Notes
- To make it more flavorful, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach before serving.
- Use cooked shredded chicken for an even quicker meal option.
- This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Perfect for freezing in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
