Description
This Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is the ultimate comfort meal! Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then smothered in a rich and cheesy cream sauce. Served over fluffy, seasoned rice, this dish is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Season and cook the chicken:
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.
2️⃣ 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 or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the creamy sauce:
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.
4️⃣ Smother the chicken:
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.
5️⃣ Assemble and serve:
Plate the cooked rice and top with the smothered chicken and sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for an extra few minutes or add a bit more cheese.
- Swap out white rice for brown rice for a nuttier flavor, but increase cooking time to about 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins