Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
A comforting dish with tender chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce served over fluffy rice, perfect for any dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Rice and Broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing chicken
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth Plus an additional 1/2 cup for the sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt For the rice
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For making the sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk For the cheese sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder For the sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black 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 from the skillet and set aside.
- 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 or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and the cheese is melted.
Finish Cooking
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning for a few hours before cooking. Feel free to add vegetables such as peas or spinach for extra nutrition. Make it spicy by adding some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 540kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 32gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 920mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g