Description
Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a comforting and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring seasoned chicken breasts, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth (additional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups chicken broth and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil.
- Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until broth is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and additional chicken broth until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, thyme, cheddar, and Parmesan; stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Serve chicken and sauce over cooked rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
- Substitute brown rice, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
- Try other cheeses like mozzarella or Colby jack for variety.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
