Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy creamy sauce served over fluffy long-grain white rice. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on all sides with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to build a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Cheese: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to achieve a smooth sauce. Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and cheese melts fully.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, ensuring chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and creamy sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative if desired, though sauce creaminess may slightly vary.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can be used for garnish to add freshness and color.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and 1/4 cup rice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken recipe, smothered chicken, chicken and rice, easy dinner, comfort food
