Easy One Skillet Creamy Smothered Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a rich, satisfying meal the whole family will love, this Creamy Smothered Chicken is it. It’s the kind of comforting dish that warms you from the inside out, made with juicy, seasoned chicken smothered in a savory, ranch-infused cream sauce. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes or a bed of steaming white rice, and you’ve got the perfect weeknight dinner.
Over at The Stone Hearth Farmhouse, I’ve shared many hearty homestead meals like crispy buttermilk chicken sandwiches, venison stew, and sourdough sandwich bread. Yet this creamy chicken skillet recipe deserves a spot right up there with the best. In fact, it is budget-friendly, beginner-friendly, and deeply satisfying , especially after a long day.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Smothered Chicken
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes
- One Skillet Meal – Fewer dishes to wash
- Family Friendly – Even picky eaters love it
- Customizable – Use chicken breasts or thighs, and serve with your favorite side
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and packs in flavor thanks to ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic, and a can of cream of chicken soup. It’s the kind of southern chicken recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Start the Rice or Mashed Potatoes
Good timing is everything when you want a smooth dinner prep. Since this smothered chicken recipe takes about 25–30 minutes total, here’s how to get your sides ready right on time:
- Rice: Start the rice right before you begin cooking the chicken. White rice takes about 15–18 minutes to cook and will be perfectly done when your chicken is ready to smother in the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: If you’re going this route, start peeling and boiling your potatoes before you season your chicken. They’ll need about 20–25 minutes to soften and another 5 minutes to mash with butter and cream.
Ingredients for Creamy Smothered Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comfort meal together:
For the Chicken:
- 3–4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ cups heavy cream (or half & half)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning packet (or 2–3 tbsp from a shaker)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Creamy Smothered Chicken
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- While that warms, season your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken pieces for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Set them aside on a plate Start your rice or check your mashed potatoes now!
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tbsp of butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Add this mixture to the skillet and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Smother the Chicken
- Return the cooked chicken (and any juices) back to the skillet.
- Stir to fully coat every piece in the creamy sauce.
- Then, simmer everything together for another 3–4 minutes to blend the flavors.
Serve and Garnish
- Spoon the creamy smothered chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or egg noodles.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add Veggies: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or frozen peas.
- Swap the Soup: Cream of chicken works just as well as cream of mushroom.
- Lighter Version: Use half & half and light sour cream.
- More Ranch or Less?: One ranch packet = 3 tbsp. But, if you prefer a milder ranch flavor, start with 2 tbsp and taste as you go.
What to Serve with Creamy Smothered Chicken
Yum, this dish is so rich and creamy, so pair it with lighter or fresh sides to balance out the meal. Here are some favorites:
- Mashed Potatoes – Classic and indulgent
- Steamed White or Brown Rice – Soaks up every drop of the sauce
- Buttered Egg Noodles – A nostalgic, kid-friendly option
- Green Beans or Roasted Broccoli – Adds freshness to the plate
- Simple Side Salad – A crisp, light contrast
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Store: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat: In a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed. Microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
- Freeze: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy content, which can separate when thawed.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping a cozy Sunday meal, this creamy smothered chicken is a tried-and-true favorite. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to be added to your comfort food rotation.
Creamy Smothered Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3-4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/4 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter option)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sour cream (adds tang and richness)
- 1 can of cream of mushroom soup
- 1 oz ranch seasoning packet (or 2–3 tbsp from a shaker)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pan, melt 1 tbsp butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1 minute to deglaze.
- In a separate bowl add heavy cream, sour cream, cream of mushroom and ranch seasoning. Stir until smooth.
- Add to the skillet and simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
Smother the Chicken
- Return cooked chicken to the pan.
- Simmer everything together for another 3–4 minutes so the chicken is smothered and coated in the sauce.
Serve over rice or mashed potatoes and Enjoy!
Notes
Ranch Seasoning: One packet contains about 3 tablespoons. If you prefer a lighter ranch flavor, use 1½ to 2 tablespoons instead. The shaker-style container works well for adjusting to taste.
Soup Options: You can use either cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup—both work beautifully in this recipe.
Chicken Cuts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicier than breasts, but either works well.
Lighter Version: Use half & half instead of heavy cream and light sour cream to reduce the richness.
Serving Tip: Start your rice or mashed potatoes just before or during the chicken cooking stage so everything is ready at the same time.
Add Veggies: For a full one-pan meal, try adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce before smothering the chicken.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1916Total Fat: 69gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 881mgSodium: 1724mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 292g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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