Description
A comforting and creamy smothered chicken and rice dish that brings warmth to any meal. With a velvety cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy rice, this recipe is perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in.
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
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking in the sauce).
- Cook the Rice:
- In a saucepan, bring chicken broth and salt to a boil.
- Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in garlic powder, thyme, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Smother the Chicken:
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
- Spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Divide the cooked rice among plates.
- Place a smothered chicken breast on top of the rice.
- Drizzle extra sauce over everything.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the sauce.
- Swap out cheddar cheese for smoked Gouda or mozzarella for a twist.
- To make it a one-pot meal, cook the rice in the sauce by adding an extra ½ cup of chicken broth and letting it simmer with the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Comfort Food