Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting one-pan meal featuring tender seared chicken breasts cooked with flavorful rice and smothered in a rich, creamy ranch sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Rice and Broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, then remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir well to combine and avoid sticking.
- Simmer: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: While the chicken and rice cook, whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, and ranch seasoning mix in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken and rice in the skillet once the simmer is complete.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy chicken and rice. Cover the skillet again and cook for an additional 5 minutes over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately warm and enjoy this creamy, savory meal.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken breasts if you prefer more flavor, but increase simmer time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use reduced-fat sour cream.
- Add vegetables like peas or mushrooms during the simmer step for extra nutrition.
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in liquid for even cooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but texture may change slightly.
